With controversy surrounding the construction of the south Circle Drive bridge the City of Saskatoon has begun demolishing one of its older structures, the Victoria Bridge, also known as the Traffic Bridge.

"I've seen that bridge since I was little and even though it was a little scary to drive across, I always loved looking over at it, seeing it in pictures and walking across it," said 26-year-old Megan Buchholz. "I'm going to be sad not to see it anymore."

City workers began preparations for the bridge's demolition on Oct. 12 and with the south side of the bridge already taken out, the second phase of the project is scheduled to be finished by mid-November, according to a media release from City Hall.

For sixteen-year-old Connor Parenteau the Traffic Bridge was a close and simple route to downtown, but in the bridge's old-age safety became a concern.

"I think if they'd taken the time to take care of it and fixed it up a little bit, they could have used it as a pedestrian and cyclist bridge which could have been even nicer," said Parenteau. "It is time for it to come down and hopefully, if they build a new bridge they give it a similar style."

Just a few months away from its Centennial, the Traffic Bridge has been cordoned off for the past two years. Area residents noted it used to be an easy shortcut heading downtown, especially after a day taking in music festivals by the river.

fbiber@rawlco.com

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