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Saskatoon’s University Bridge will be closed again soon, this time to motorists and pedestrians for several months.
The city is anticipating the bridge closure will begin early in April. The closure is due to construction on the bridge, “including arch repairs, refinishing the driving surface and drain inspections and repairs
Signage that went up a bit too early around the bridge has now been corrected to reflect the correct date of the bridge’s closure, which is expected to begin the week of April 6.
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“We apologize to anyone who may have noticed digital signs on College Drive this morning (Tue, March 24) indicated a closure date of March 31st. This was inadvertently put up by the contractor, and the date has now been changed to April 6,” depending on weather and construction conditions, the city shared in an email with 650 CKOM.
Radio ads, beginning on Wednesday, and information on the city’s website will also assist people in the city with information about the bridge closure.
The closing of University Bridge is being coordinated with other projects to “help reduce overall impacts,” according to to the city’s website. The Link system construction on College Drive between Clarence and Preston Avenue, water main lining from Idylwyld Drive to Spadina Crescent on 25th Street and the work on the bridge will all be worked on beginning in early April.
Though the city’s phased approach is meant to cut back on impacts to people in the city, those travelling through the College corridor – including those heading to hospitals, the University of Saskatchewan and nearby businesses – should expect delays and detours, the city said online.
The city said it has been in communication with College Drive stakeholders for many weeks, sharing that the contractor for the College Drive Link construction project has been preparing for work starting early next month.
SaskEnergy has work requiring completion before construction begins, the city said in its email on Tuesday, which has prompted the full closure of University Bridge and College Drive between Clarence Avenue and Hospital Drive to private vehicles beginning on the April 6 date.
Online, a map of city construction noted that work on the bridge’s arches will begin on April 16 and continue through the end of July this year.
The actual date of construction start-up and the bridge closure is subject to weather and a mobilization date from SaskEnergy. The city said it will issue a PSA before construction begins to communicate closure timing with residents as soon as the official start-up construction date is finalized with SaskEnergy and the contractor. An e-newsletter will also be sent out by the city.
Emergency vehicles will still be able to access the hospital while construction is happening. Emergency traffic will be accommodated in the eastbound lanes of University Bridge and College Drive to the intersection of Hospital Drive. The city said this emergency service access will remain in place until a temporary emergency services access road from the University Bridge to Hospital Drive, north of College Drive, is built.
The city said a news conference is planned to share more about the bridge closure on April 2.
– with files from 650 CKOM’s Roman Hayter
