City of Saskatoon expects to reopen University Bridge early

The City of Saskatoon expects to reopen the University Bridge at least two to three weeks earlier than planned.

The city said todaythat rehabilitationwork on the bridge is progressing smoothly, thanks in part, to the dry weather.

Rob Frank, ManagerofAsset Preservation with the city, said the final stages of the work are currently underway.

"We're anticipating an opening within the next one to twoweeks," Frank said.

"Currently the concrete on the north sideofthe bridge is curing," he explained. "The contractor still needs to complete some grinding and smoothing work, approach paving, crack filling, expansion joint gland installation, pedestrian hand rail installations and site cleanup as soon this work is competed we can open the bridge."

Crews are currently finishing up repairs to the bridge deck.The contractor still needs to complete some work, including installing hand rails and site cleanup, before the river crossing can reopen.