UNIVERSITY BRIDGE NOW OPEN – NO LONGER A PAIN IN THE ASPHALT

The City of Saskatoon is pleased to announce the University Bridge has reopened to vehicle traffic four weeks ahead of schedule.

“We are extremely pleased to have traffic moving on the University Bridge sooner than expected,” says Rob Frank, Manager of Asset Preservation. “The near perfect weather and the fact that we encountered no major issues allowed us to accelerate our schedule and move ahead of where we expected to be at this point in the project.”

While more work on the bridge will be undertaken this summer, the City’s priority has been to reopen the bridge to traffic as soon as possible. Some lane restrictions during off peak hours will still be required for finishing touches such as concrete sealing and permanent lane markings. Rehabilitation work will also continue under the bridge.

All Saskatoon Transit routes will now return to normal with the weekend #200 shuttle that ran between the University of Saskatchewan and Downtown Terminal now suspended. Traffic signals that were retimed to allow for more efficient commutes along alternative routes will also return to normal.

Rehabilitation work completed on the bridge included:

• Removal and disposal of asphalt, waterproofing membrane, and top 10 mm of deck concrete
• Removal and replacement of pier deck joints
• Repair of partial depth deck and abutment (substructure at the ends of a bridge whereon the superstructure rests or contacts)
• Strengthening of column and deck
• Removal, repainting, and reinstallation of the pedestrian handrail
• Installation of concrete overlay to strengthen deck and provide smooth driving surface
• Sealing of concrete arches and abutments

The University Bridge will not require another full closure for rehabilitation on the concrete deck for approximately 25 years, however, the City may need to complete a substructure rehabilitation on the bridge's arches and piers in 2021. The City is working with the University of Saskatchewan, Ch2m Hill Inc. and Saskatchewan Centre of Excellence for Transportation and Infrastructure in order to confirm the timing and type of repairs needed.

In an effort to reduce the overall cost of its bridge structures, the City focuses on preservation in order to protect the financial investment as well as maximize the sustainability of the infrastructure. The Bridge Strategy moving forward includes the rehabilitation of an average of two bridge/overpass structures per year. The Ruth Street Overpass is slated for rehabilitation in 2016.

“We thank residents for adapting and being able to reroute their commutes to accommodate this necessary rehabilitation work,” says Frank. “The work will ensure the iconic, 100 year old bridge continues to serve commuters for many years to come.”

For more information visit saskatoon.ca/UniversityBridge.