2 new Saskatoon bridges on track to open in fall 2018, city says

The City of Saskatoon says construction ontwo new bridges remains on schedule, with both slated for October 2018 openings.

The city provided an update on the Traffic Bridge, in the city's downtown core, and the North Commuter Parkway, in the city's north end, on Thursday.

Both projects have reached the halfway point, according to the city.

Construction on the Parkway's third and final pier, plus girder installation on the two remaining east spans, will now begin.

At the Traffic Bridge site, three of four bridge spans have been installed, and work on the trusses for the final span is expected to be finished over the next two months.

"The Traffic Bridge is right on track, and work is also continuing on the south side of the river where the Victoria Avenue retaining wall and other retaining walls around Rotary Park will be built throughout spring and summer," saidDanWillems, the city's special projects manager, said of the North Commuter Parkway in a press release..

The North Commuter Parkwaywill allow people who live in Saskatoon's northeast to cross the South Saskatchewan River into the Marquis and North Industrial areas to work.

The Traffic Bridge, which will replace the demolished Victoria Bridge, will provide another avenue for pedestrians and motorists to cross the river.