Circle Drive Bridge re-opens Tuesday after months of repairs

After eight months of continuous construction, all lanes on Saskatoon’s Circle Drive Bridge will re-open to traffic late Tuesday afternoon.

Drivers can expect a commute free of barriers and lane detours by that time.

Todd Grabowski, engineering manager of asset preservation, said construction on the six lane bridge began on Feb. 28.

“A lot of the work is asphalt and barrier replacement, drainage improvements, concrete repairs on the bridge deck, and a new asphalt wearing membrane,” he said.

The budget for the entire project was $10.5 million dollars. Grabowski said the project is wrapping up on budget — and a couple of weeks early — because of the good weather throughout the summer.

“Our original scheduled date was kind of Oct. 24, but there’s some efficiencies and things like that — working on the second phase of the project with previous experience from the first (phase) and not having to battle winter conditions really kind of helped us beat that target date,” he added.

He said it’s a sigh of relief to have the massive project completed.

“Especially towards the end of the season, you know you always get worried about making sure you get your targets complete before winter comes and the snow starts to come in,” said Grabowski.

According to the City of Saskatoon, the bridge opened in 1983 at a cost of $11.8 million. More lanes were added to the bridge in 2005, and the pedestrian bridge opened in 2007.

Grabowski said these repairs in 2023 should extend the bridge’s lifespan by several decades.

The Circle Drive North Bridge rehabilitation is expected to wrap up in October. (650 CKOM file photo)