Saskatoon’s Broadway Bridge to be closed for six months

The City of Saskatoon is planning some rehabilitation for the 93-year-old Broadway Bridge this summer.

For six months, starting May 12, the bridge will be closed to undergo improvements and repairs. The project includes improvements to multi-use pathways and repairs to the bridge deck.

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“This proactive project is essential in ensuring the historic Broadway Bridge, which has an annual average daily traffic count of 20,000 vehicles, retains its structural integrity and reliability for the community,” said Terry Schmidt, Saskatoon’s general manager of transportation and construction.

“If we do a full bridge closure, the work can be completed in one construction season,” Schmidt added.

Also part of the project are:

• new asphalt,
• new waterproofing,
• new traffic barriers,
• arch and railing improvements,
• and the removal of old and abandoned utilities underneath the bridge

According to Schmidt, water main replacements on 19th Street, and the Fourth Avenue South and 19th Street East intersection will be improved for the safety and efficiency of buses going between Broadway Avenue and 19th Street.

“The right northbound flow-through lane will be removed, and that intersection will change into a ‘T’ intersection. Traffic signals will be relocated, pedestrian signals will be added, and the island and centre medians will be removed,” said Schmidt.

The project, with an estimated cost of $15.5 million, includes improvements to multi-use pathways and repairs to the bridge deck. (Mia Holowaychuk/650 CKOM)

Meewasin Trail access will be maintained under the bridge as well Friendship Park will be open.

“Spadina Crescent between the bridge and 3rd Avenue South will be closed,” the city added. “The boat launch will remain open and accessible via Spadina Crescent from 20th Street East.”

Full closures include:

• Broadway Bridge (including multi-use pathways on both sides),
• Broadway Avenue from Saskatchewan Crescent East to 20th Street East,
• 19th Street East from 3rd Avenue South to Broadway Avenue,
• and 4th Avenue South from 19th Street East to 20th Street East.

Schmidt said transit will be impacted, with some routes being redirected.

“We really appreciate and understand that there will be possibly some delays in people’s commutes and changes needed to their daily traffic patterns,” Schmidt said, adding that residents can turn to the city’s website for construction updates.

The total cost of the project is estimated at $15.5 million.

Anne-Marie Cey, executive director of the Broadway Business Improvement District, said business owners are working with her organization to alleviate the impacts of the closure.

She said there are a number of events and activities planned for the summer, including Thursday night block parties in July, and the annual street fair spring fling.

“We’re encouraging (people) to use alternate methods of transportation, bike, walk and, of course, the scooter,” Cey said.

Cey said business owners have voiced concerns about access to the district, detours and frustrated customers. She said the business improvement district is working with the city to improve signage and mark detour routes.

Traffic Bridge to close temporarily for cleaning

Meanwhile, the city said the Traffic Bridge will be closed between Spadina Crescent and 11th Street starting at 7 p.m. on Friday for bridge cleaning.

“Detours will be in place guiding motorists around the work zone,” the city explained in a statement.

“This project is expected to take one night to complete, weather permitting and barring any unforeseen circumstances.”

–with files from 650 CKOM’s Mia Holowaychuk