Saskatoon's University Bridge reopens to vehicle traffic

Cars, vans and trucks made their way into downtown Saskatoon across the University Bridge this morning.

The bridge reopened to vehicle traffic four weeks ahead of schedule. It had been closed since early May undergoing repairs.

Rob Frank, manager of asset preservation with the City of Saskatoon, said the work went quickly for severalreasons.

"Weather was a really good variable on our side. It was a great variable. Another thing happened was we didn't run into anything that we didn't expect."

Frank also credited the construction crews for working long hours in order to complete the work in a timely manner.

This morning's commute had two lanes of traffic open to vehicles heading into the downtown. Drivers wanting to use the bridge to leave downtown will have to wait until the Exhibition parade wraps up before crossing.

Frank said people should expect a different driving experience when crossing the bridge thanks to the removal of the old asphalt surface.

"It's a concrete surface so it's going to have a different sound when you drive across it. It's going to be very much like the Circle Drive south bridge or the Clarence overpass over Circle Drive."

The entire project still has some work to do. Crews have to put the finishing touches on the new concrete surface and install permanent lane markings. Drivers can expect some lane restrictions during off peak hours.

Frank also noted crews will be working below the bridge surface completing some minor concrete repairs.

The cost of the rehabilitation project is expected to be just under $6million. Repairs are expected to be finished by the middle of September.