UNIVERSITY BRIDGE CLOSES FOR NECESSARY REHABILITATION SUNDAY, MAY 3
Beginning at 7:00 a.m. on Sunday, May 3 Saskatoon’s iconic University Bridge will close to the general public for repairs. The necessary four-month rehabilitation project will ensure the 100 year old bridge continues to serve commuters for many years to come.
“We know this project is going to have a significant impact on traffic flow in our City but we have done a lot of planning to try to minimize traffic disruption, for example, adjustments to traffic signals on detour routes, suggested alternate routes and advanced signage,” says Rob Frank, Engineering Manager for Asset Preservation. “The contractor will begin moving equipment into the area this week before starting work on Sunday. As we’ve been saying, we know this is a pain in the asphalt, however, this necessary work will ensure the safety and longevity of this important piece of infrastructure.”
The bridge will be closed to regular vehicle traffic for the entirety of the bridge rehabilitation project. A single lane of traffic will remain open for emergency vehicles, Saskatoon Transit buses, Saskatoon Health Region authorized vehicles and school buses contracted by the Saskatoon School Boards only. A single walkway will also remain open at all times during construction. Non-authorized vehicles that attempt to use the bridge during the closure may be subject to a $90 fine.
Reroute Your Commute:
The following will be the most efficient routes from each quadrant of the City to cross the river during construction:
Northwest to the University – Use Circle Drive North Bridge > Preston Avenue
Northeast to Downtown – Use Circle Drive North Bridge > Warman Road
Southwest to the University – Use Circle Drive South Bridge > Circle Drive > College Drive
Southeast to Downtown – Use 8th Street or Circle Drive > Sid Buckwold Bridge
Traffic signals will be retimed to allow for a more efficient commute on 8th Street, 12th Street, Broadway Avenue, Idylwyld Freeway, 2nd Avenue, 4th Avenue, 25th Street, College Drive, Warman Road and Preston Avenue which will become busier as a result of the detours.
All Transit Routes and Access Transit Vehicles will operate as normal Monday to Friday. On weekends and holidays a shuttle bus will run every 15 minutes between the University of Saskatchewan, Place Riel Hub and the Downtown Terminal. More information is available at saskatoontransit.ca/bridge.
“There are many ways Saskatoon residents can help to minimize the impact including, taking the bus, carpooling, biking or walking,” says Frank. “It may also be an opportunity for employers to consider alternate work hours where possible, or coming up with options for ridesharing. If we work together we can ultimately reduce the traffic delays and allow for better movement of traffic in our city.”
The bridge is expected to reopen at the end of August. Visit saskatoon.ca/universitybridge for more information and for a look at the full Transportation Plan.