Saskatoon's Traffic Bridge to go out with a bang

A bridge that has spanned the South Saskatchewan River uniting east and west in Saskatoon for more than a century will go out with a bang.

The Traffic Bridge will fall on Sunday at 9 a.m. CST when charges are detonated and the two south spans come down.

A new release from city hall suggested that when the blast happens, "an exclusion zone with a radius of 250 meters from the blasting site will be in place approximately one hour prior to the blast to limit public access and maintain citizen safety."

Clearly, there will be much public interest in the demolition of this iconic bridge. The city suggested that people who want to see the steel spans come down can gather on the Broadway Bridge. It will be closed to traffic, and the city suggested that, "eye or ear protection is not required as there is no risk of flying debris or dust from this location."

Bridge declared beyond repair 

The bridge closed in 2010 after an inspection by engineers found serious damage from salt and rust.

Former city manager Phil Richards broke the bad news.

"We're sad to announce that in the City of Bridges our very first bridge ever built has served its useful life and can no longer be open for vehicular traffic," he said.

The decision led to much public debate about the future of a span on the site. Many argued that a bicycle, pedestrian-only crossing should go up in its place. In the end, council opted for a bridge that allows vehicular traffic to cross, with a design that pays tribute to the original design.

• Could foot traffic take over Traffic Bridge?

• City of Saskatoon releases Traffic Bridge project details

Sirens to sound warning of explosion

On Sunday, three minutes before the two spans come down, a series of short sirens will signal a warning. Once the bridge comes down and the contractor has had an opportunity to check and make sure that all the explosives have detonated, an all-clear will sound.

People who live inside the blast safety zone are being notified in writing by the contractor, and will be asked to stay inside their homes. City hall will also issue local alerts through the NotifyNow system.