City report says fewer drivers using Chief Mistawasis Bridge than originally estimated

A new report on Saskatoon's Chief Mistawasis Bridge says an average of 9,900 drivers use the thoroughfare eachday.

The number is lower than opening day estimates from the city, which believed anywhere between 14,600 to 21,700 vehicles would drive across the bridge in a day.

The new bridge, which is celebrating its first-year anniversary this month, was designed to link growing neighbourhoods on the east side of the city with Saskatoon's industrial park in the north.

The project was also meant to lessen traffic on the city's busy Circle Drive North bridge. That part of the project seems to be succeeding, with an estimated 9,800 fewer drivers on Circle Drive.

The city assessed daily traffic volumes on 15 different sections of road during the study.

The re-opened Traffic Bridge downtown has seen a larger number of vehicles than original estimates, supportingabout 12,000 vehicles a day. However, the report notes traffic may have been higher due to major construction on the nearby Sid Buckwold Bridge this summer.

The study found fewer people used the Senator Sid Buckwold Bridge compared to last year. The Gordie Howe Bridge and Broadway Bridge also saw declines.

The city said it was working on an improvement plan for the intersection of Marquis Drive and Idylwyld Drive. It also said it plans to start consultations on improving the intersection of 51st Street and Millar Avenue.

The report will be presented at the city's transportation committee on Monday afternoon.