SASKATOON, SK. – The Sid Buckwold Bridge in Saskatoon is nearing completion of the first phase of rehabilitation initiated this April.
Work on the bridge included deck repairs, new asphalt, walkway widening, a new drainage system, new barriers, and resurfacing of Idylwyld Drive ramps over 19th St.
“Work is progressing on time and remains on budget. Construction crews have removed approximately 1,200 tonnes of asphalt from the southbound lanes. New concrete has been installed on the bridge deck, new barriers are being built and they are about to begin work on strengthening the bridge piers. Once complete, the entire bridge will reopen,” City of
Saskatoon projects and preservation acting engineering manager Todd Grabowski said.
Pigeon feces removal will significantly prolong the 53-year-old structure’s life span, he added.
“Crews removed 635 thousand kilograms of pigeon feces, which equates to approximately 360 medium sized cars parked on the bridge. That eliminates a significant amount of additional weight,” Grabowski said.
In spring 2020, the northbound lanes heading into downtown including the 1st Avenue ramp will close and traffic will be flipped to the other side of the bridge. A taller barrier will be installed to help improve pedestrian and cyclist safety and the bridge walkway will be closed and widened.
The bridge was flagged for rehabilitation by the City of Saskatoon’s Deck Testing Program, and work on all three structures of the bridge began two years ago to prevent a full closure, which would have had significant impact on traffic as well as local residents and businesses.
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