The rehabilitation work was initially slated to begin in April on the Broadway Bridge, but it will now get underway in May.

The City of Saskatoon’s asset preservation engineering manager, Todd Grabowski, explains that the bridge will be closed for some of the work which includes concrete deck repairs, waterproofing replacement, new asphalt, new traffic barriers, improvements to the multi-use pathways and the pedestrian section of the bridge.

Grabowski explains that there are both a watermain and gas line under the bridge that aren’t being used anymore, so they will be removed.

There will also be a re-design of the intersection at the bottom of the bridge at 4th Avenue to make it safer and in preparation for Bus Rapid Transit. Grabowski says the intersection will look more like a “T” intersection. The traffic island and centre medians will be removed, and pedestrian signals will be added. As well, four Link stations will be built on Broadway Avenue, causing partial lane closures.

The construction work will mean the bridge, the pedestrian walkway, Broadway Avenue, Saskatchewan Crescent, 19th Street and 3rd and 4th Avenue traffic will be affected.

The bridge and the multi-use pathways on both sides will be closed during rehabilitation work which is expected to take six months.

Full closures during construction include:

Broadway Bridge (including multi-use pathways on both sides)
Broadway Avenue from Saskatchewan Crescent East to 20th Street East
19th Street East from 3rd Avenue South to Broadway Avenue
4th Avenue South from 19th Street East to 20th Street East

Other areas impacted:

Pedestrian access to Meewasin Trail will be maintained via scaffolding tunnels.
Friendship Park will remain open, though fenced off near the Broadway Bridge.
Spadina Crescent (between the bridge and 20th Street East) will be closed, but the boat launch will stay open.