Saskatoon’s University Bridge reopening postponed, adding $213K to repair costs

Saskatoon drivers face further delays as the city postpones the reopening of the University Bridge once more. Construction issues, particularly those stemming from nearby College Drive rehabilitation, have pushed back the timeline indefinitely. The bridge remains closed to non-emergency vehicles, with only emergency services currently permitted access.

Originally slated for a June reopening, the bridge's timeline was first extended to mid- to late July, attributed to weather-related delays. However, the city has now revised its plan after exploring various options with emergency services and the Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA). The new strategy prioritizes opening all three traffic lanes simultaneously to ensure one lane is exclusively reserved for emergency vehicles, preventing any potential traffic blockages for ambulances, fire trucks, or police.

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No one wants to create a scenario where an ambulance, fire truck, or police vehicle is trapped in traffic.

This extended closure comes with an increased financial burden. The city announced an additional $213,000 in repair costs due to the discovery of "greater than anticipated concrete loss" during an inspection in early June. Crews found more extensive deterioration than initially expected while installing a temporary work platform. The city decided to proceed with these additional repairs immediately to capitalize on the existing platform, thus avoiding the need for future work and associated costs within a few years.

The SHA has been collaborating with the city throughout the construction process to ensure continued access for emergency vehicles and medical services. While the health authority supports the bridge's timely reopening, its primary focus remains on maintaining safe and reasonable access for all medical facilities. The Saskatchewan Cancer Agency confirmed its shuttle service has permission to use the bridge during the closure, advising patients to plan their travel accordingly.

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The SHA supports the timely resumption of regular traffic across the bridge and along College Avenue Drive as soon as it is safe to do so, and is working with the city to maintain access for emergency vehicles, while also maintaining reasonable alternative access for all medical services it is safe to do so.