Saskatoon's University Bridge down to one lane this spring

One of Saskatoon's main bridges will be slowing down significantly next year, for four to five months.

Starting in May, Saskatoon's university bridge will likely be down to just one lane, running from the downtown to the east side of the river.

"The University Bridge is coming up on 100 years old," said City of Saskatoon Chief Engineer Mike Gutek. "As with all things, things deteriorate."

City crews will be focusing on the bridge deck, which hasn't seen significant work since 1971. Rotting pieces of concrete and rebar will be drilled out, and a new concrete base will be poured.

The University Bridge is a major traffic corridor for Saskatoon. Not only does it service traffic travelling to the University of Saskatchewan, it also allows ambulances quick access to the Royal University Hospital.

Many city councillors were hoping to put off work on the bridge until the replacement to the Traffic Bridge is completed, likely in 2018. The replacement bridge would provide another way to get across the river.

However, Gutek said the work needs to be done right away.

"We're trying to avoid a punching failure," he said. "It would be the same as if your foot went through the floorboards of your kitchen. That's what we're trying to avoid."

While thousands of commuters use the bridge every day, it's also a major corridor for emergency vehicles. Many patients travelling to Royal University Hospital are transported over the bridge, and emergency crews need quick, ready access.

Saskatoon ambulance crews are grateful the city is keeping one lane of traffic open.

"That is a major hub for us," said MD Ambulance spokesperson Troy Davies. "Any strokes, any obstetric calls, any major traumas, RUH is our hospital."

Similar work will need to be completed on the Broadway Bridge and Sid Buckwold Bridge. However, the city believes that work can be put off until the new Traffic Bridge is finished.

Pedestrian travel will likely be cut down to one lane as well, likely moving to the same side of the bridge that is being worked on at that moment.

The city says the one lane of open traffic could be shut down completely at times, for late night construction.