Saskatoon bridge projects approach one-year mark

SASKATOON, SASK. – As Saskatoon’s Bridging to Tomorrow project approaches the one-year mark, the city recently reflected on the progress that has been made on the two bridges.

Work on the Traffic Bridge began in December 2015 and North Commuter Parkway site construction began in January 2016.

"Right now at the Traffic Bridge, crews are putting the finishing touches on construction of an in-river berm on the north side of the river so they can start building the two north piers," says Dan Willems, director of major projects. "The south in-river pier, the north and south bridge abutments, and the first new span are complete and demolition of the last original span will start in mid-November."

Meanwhile, at the North Commuter Parkway the west in-river pier is complete and construction of the centre in-river pier is underway.

"This part of the project involves more than bridge construction. It also involves stormsewer installation as well as several kilometres of earthworks for the roads connecting to the new bridge," says Willems. "Work also involves improvements to the intersection of Attridge Drive and Central Avenue, which is nearing completion, and the realignment of the eastbound off-ramp from Circle Drive East to Attridge Drive."

Both bridges are scheduled to open in 2018. The North Commuter Parkway will support the transportation needs of northeast Saskatoon residents who work in the Marquis and North Industrial Areas. The new Traffic Bridge will support the growing city centre by allowing drivers, pedestrians and cyclists to cross the South Saskatchewan River. It will resemble the original bridge, but will be wider to accommodate larger vehicles like fire trucks and transit buses.

Bridging to Tomorrow project updates are available at saskatoon.ca/bridging.