Saskatoon University Bridge lane could be open during repairs

More information is coming out on this summer's closure of the University Bridge. The aging bridge is expected to be closed from May to August.

The city's transportation committee is recommending one lane be left open for emergency vehicles and buses. M.D. Ambulance was especially concerned about losing access to the bridge as a quick access route to Royal University Hospital.

Traffic would be regulated by police and flag people. Councillors are convinced this is the best option.

"The good thing is, we're four months ahead," said Councillor Charlie Clark. "Like flag people. If you come up on a highway and there's a bridge that's down, they control the traffic."

The city has awarded the bridge repairs to Horseshoe Hill Construction at a cost of $5.9 million. The company told the city if the bridge was fully closed, the price would drop by 315 thousand dollars, and would be completed 20 days earlier.

However, in the interest of safety, the committee is still recommending that the lane remain open.

"We're going to have a limited number of vehicles using the bridge, but they're all being prioritized for the right reasons," said Clark. "We're going to be able to move more people with buses, we're going to get people in emergency situations across by ambulance, we're going to get high school students to school on time."

The city is offering incentives to get the work completed earlier. The contractor will be billed $10,000 for every day of construction as a bridge rental.

One pedestrian lane for walkers and cyclists will be left open during construction.

The plan still needs to be approved at this month's city council meeting.