Major work on Sid Buckwold Bridge starts Monday, will last until October
Lanes leaving downtown will be closed, traffic will be diverted to the other side of bridge
Drivers can expect delays as the City of Saskatoon closes a major thoroughfare next week until the fall.
Starting Monday, lanes leaving downtown over the Sid Buckwold Bridge will be closed until October. Vehicles will be diverted to the opposing lane and will operate as one-lane traffic.
The city is closing the lanes to repair the bridge deck as well as pour new asphalt, widen the bridge's walkway and add a new drainage system. Crews will also be resurfacing the Idylwyld Drive ramps over 19th Street.
Administration said the closure was necessary to make sure the bridge remains safe into the future, while still allowing traffic across one side of the bridge.
Saskatoon Transit routes may also be delayed. Riders are asked to check the Transit app for more information.
The Meewasin Trail will remain open on both sides of the bridge during construction, although there may be temporary closures on the south side of the river.
Work will begin on the other side of the bridge in 2020.
In 2015, the University bridge was completely closed for repairs from May until August, and traffic was limited on the Broadway Bridge for five months during construction in 2016.