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Commuters going over Saskatoon’s University Bridge might have a more delayed drive on Monday than usual.
The City of Saskatoon has closed the westbound lanes of the bridge after a small fire under the archway on the Spadina Crescent end of the structure on Sunday.
Read more:
- City plans to install security fence under University Bridge after fire
- New security measures haven’t stopped trespassing under University Bridge
- Firefighters respond to blaze at encampment under University Bridge
Two-way traffic is operating in the eastbound lanes of the bridge. The city is asking drivers to avoid the area, if possible, or expect “major delays.”
According to the city, Saskatoon Transit is impacted by this traffic incident.
A release from the Saskatoon Fire Department said firefighters saw smoke coming from underneath the bridge and located the fire on the west side around 3:40 p.m. on March 8.
Fire crews used a ground ladder and a hose to extinguish the fire, which melted a sanitary sewer line that was under the bridge. Damage at the scene is being assessed by a city engineer and the city’s water and sewer department.
Work still being done on the University Bridge this morning in #yxe after a small fire under the bridge, according to the city. Two-way traffic in the EB lanes, with the far WB lane closed to traffic at this time @CKOMNews pic.twitter.com/Y2Omo9hrla
— Libby Gray (@libby_gray9) March 9, 2026
There are no injuries as a result of the incident and a fire investigator was on scene to conduct an examination of the incident.
City crews worked overnight to repair the damage to the sewer line. That work, according to the city, is ongoing at this time.
Traffic cones are in place and a city vehicle is positioned on the bridge in the westbound lanes to help reroute traffic into the eastbound lanes heading into downtown Saskatoon.
The University Bridge has experienced several similar fires in recent years.
A mattress at an abandoned encampment under the bridge caught fire in June 2023. Security fencing was in place to prevent people from going into the bridge arches, but at the time, Saskatoon Fire Chief Morgan Hackl said it had been cut.
Another blaze in January 2025 caused a three-day closure of the bridge to all traffic. At the time, the city said it would install more security fencing.
According to the city, more information will be available “as the situation progresses.” In a release, the city asked drivers to follow detour signs and barricades to keep people safe.
