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Drivers in Saskatoon might have to make changes to their routes as Broadway Bridge is closed for six months to undergo a revitalization — the first time the bridge has undergone a renovation since 1987.
The $13.1 million project will see a number of upgrades to its foundation and surrounding area.
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“We’re going to be doing concrete deck repairs,” said Todd Grabowski, engineering manager with the City of Saskatoon, on the CKOM Morning Show.
“There’s going to be new asphalt, we’re going to make some improvements to the multi-use pathways on both sides of the bridge.”
The arches and railings will also see some repairs, as well as the utilities infrastructure underneath the bridge.
The walkway on the bridge will also be a little wider.
“We’re configuring how the light posts work on those barriers,” he said. “The barrier has been modified so it’ll have a little more width at the locations where the street lights were.”
Grabowski said this morning that construction crews are going to begin to gradually show up throughout the day.
“There’s a lot of work that’s going to be on today,” he said. “We’re going to be looking at site mobilization, the contractor’s going to be getting their laydown area ready, some work trailers (will be) coming in and start getting ready for the work.”
The bridge sees an average of around 20,000 vehicles a day on average, which means many drivers will have to make detours.
“It’s going to depend on where you’re coming from,” said Grabowski. “You’re going to want to be looking at Victoria or University bridges, or even Sid Buckwold Bridge.”
How is traffic now that the Broadway Bridge is closed for the next six months?
Well it’s noticeably busier on the Victoria Avenue bridge this morning! @CKOMNews pic.twitter.com/ilHnqNkPLA
— Shane (@ShaneC06) May 12, 2025
Grabowski said that the renovation is very important and needs to be done.
“(This will) keep this bridge operational for many years to come,” he said. “Some of these rehabilitations are required.”
Construction on the city’s Bus Rapid Transit system, also known as Link, is expected to affect Broadway Avenue, with construction on bus platforms expected to start this month and will be completed by mid-July.
Pedestrian route changes
Lyndon Smith, YXE Run Club organizer said on May 5 the closure means they have to change a major part of their routes.
“The Broadway Bridge is integral to distance running in Saskatoon,” he said at the time. “I would say we run the Broadway Bridge probably every second or third week.”
Smith said runners from across the city enjoy using the Broadway Bridge whenever they can.
“It is beautiful,” he said. “It’s a softer running surface.”
Smith said he expects to see a logjam of pedestrians on the University Bridge, the Traffic Bridge on Victoria Avenue and the Senator Sid Buckwold Bridge on Idylwyld Drive.
“It definitely is a high-traffic road to get downtown,” he said.
“I think a lot of pedestrians are going to end up getting rerouted to the Traffic Bridge or the Idylwyld Bridge or the University Bridge.”
Business impact
Peter Garden, owner of Turning the Tide bookstore on Main Street, just off Broadway said in April the construction has him feeling a little uneasy.
“I would be lying if I didn’t say I wasn’t a little concerned,” said Garden.
“Any time there’s change people need to adjust to that change. Having said that there are other ways to get to Broadway from the west side of the river,” he said.
“I’ve heard some people saying ‘how can we embrace this?’ We’re talking about reducing some traffic in one direction so maybe we can … have a more walkable Broadway this summer.
“We’re thinking about doing things like having outdoor book readings. I think it’s going to be a chance to try some new things out.
“I’m hoping some other merchants will be doing more outdoor sales and creating a bit of a sidewalk sale environment,” Garden said.
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