University Bridge traffic restrictions: fire beneath damages sanitary sewer line

A small human-caused fire under the University Bridge Sunday afternoon melted and damaged a portion of a sanitary sewer line beneath an archway near Spadina Crescent. The bridge was inspected and no structural damage was found.

All four lanes of traffic on the University bridge are open; however, there is a restriction in the westbound curb lane at the top of the University Bridge to make room for a pump connected to a sanitary sewer bypass line on the north walkway which is closed.

Westbound drivers are reminded to use both lanes and “Zipper Merge” or re-route their commute if possible. Traffic restrictions are likely to remain in place for the rest of the week as repairs continue.

The south pedestrian walkway remains open.

The City of Saskatoon has been working closely with the Saskatchewan Ministry of Environment to comply with regulations, and today crews are on the scene cleaning up frozen wastewater that spilled out of the damaged sanitary sewer line.

Traffic restrictions on the University Bridge will impact transit service for Routes 4, 43, 44, 45, 46 and 16. Riders on these routes during bridge restrictions are encouraged to allow extra time to reach their destinations. Traffic delays from rerouting may affect everyone, so check your route for updates and expect delays. Transit service alerts and real-time bus information are available on third-party apps like Transit and Google Maps Transit on desktop.