Saskatoon removing Traffic Bridge cofferdam

SASKATOON, SASK. – Crews in Saskatoon have started removing the last cofferdam from the new Traffic Bridge site.

The cofferdam was built as a platform on the north side of the South Saskatchewan River to facilitate the construction of the last span of the new Traffic Bridge.

But as construction on the project nears its later phases, the dam is no longer needed, explains a release.

The removal of the dam is expected to take three weeks.

According to the city, crews will conduct all in-river work in compliance with Transport Canada and the Department of Fisheries and Oceans guidelines.

The new Traffic Bridge is a four-span arrangement, with new reinforced concrete piers constructed around the existing piers within the river. The bridge geometry is similar to the old bridge, but is slightly wider and taller to accommodate wider traffic lanes, wider pathways on both sides and overhead clearance for emergency vehicles.

The old Traffic Bridge was closed in August 2010 due to public safety concerns because of advanced deterioration of critical structural members.