University Bridge fire under control: traffic lanes will not reopen for morning commute
The University Bridge remains closed to drivers and will not reopen for the Thursday, June 22, 2023 morning commute, however, the pedestrian walkways on the bridge have reopened. Pedestrians are cautioned to only use the walkways and to stay off the bridge deck as it remains an active fire scene. Spadina Crescent, below the bridge between 24th and 25th streets, remains closed to drivers, pedestrians and cyclists.
Saskatoon Fire Department (SFD) brought the fire under control at approximately 5:30 p.m. and will continue to monitor hot spots overnight.
Detailed inspections are being conducted to assess the bridge's condition and confirm its safety prior to reopening. Based on a preliminary assessment, there doesn’t appear to be any major structural damage to the University Bridge; however, further evaluations are necessary to determine the overall impact. SFD, along with EMO, City engineers, Saskatoon Light & Power and Saskatoon Water remain on the scene to continue to closely monitor the situation.
Maintaining the bridge's safety and integrity is top priority. Once further inspections are done, work will begin on rectifying any potential damage
The City is asking drivers to reroute their commute:
- From the east side of the bridge, drivers are encouraged to take Clarence Avenue to 12th Street and use the Broadway Bridge or use 8th street and use the Traffic Bridge or Senator Sid Buckwold Bridge.
- From the west side of the bridge, drivers are encouraged to take alternate routes downtown and to use the Broadway Bridge, Traffic Bridge, or Senator Sid Buckwold Bridge.
A timeline of when the bridge will be reopened is not known at this time.