Watch above: A Global News camera crew caught unmarked and likely unauthorized vehicles crossing University Bridge Wednesday which has been closed to the public for repairs. Meaghan Craig finds out what the concern is and what the enforcement plan will be.
SASKATOON – “So far, so good,” say city officials. For a little over two weeks, drivers have had to plan their commutes around a major link between Saskatoon’s east and west sides, which is closed for repairs.
A select few however are not diverting their drive and are making their way across the University Bridge despite it being closed to the public.
Based at the bottom and the top of the bridge, a Global News camera crew caught what appeared to be five unauthorized vehicles unlawfully crossing the bridge within just a matter of minutes.
“I am aware that they have issued tickets and we have received reports of unauthorized vehicles,” said Angela Gardiner, transportation director for the City of Saskatoon.
Tickets issued by the Saskatoon Police Service after a three-day crack down when the bridge was first closed. Thirty-nine tickets were issued over that time period to drivers disobeying the traffic signs.
- May 4 – 8 tickets were issued
- May 5 – 20 tickets were issued
- May 6 – 11 tickets were issued
READ MORE: Another major road repair project could hamper Saskatoon drivers
On Wednesday, police confirmed that while enforcement continues in regards to the bridge they are no longer being tracked like they were earlier this month specific to traffic violations by unauthorized vehicles.
“Really, the concern is the impact to the authorized users,” said Gardiner.
In a situation where seconds really do count, the biggest concern is the impact these drivers could have on emergency response times.
“The way the signals on either side of the bridge are designed, they’re designed for a certain number of vehicles to pass through each cycle so if there’s unauthorized users that could impact the flow of traffic for the authorized users,” added Gardiner.
Authorized users including emergency crews, Saskatoon Transit buses, identifiable Saskatoon Health Region region vehicles and school buses are permitted to use the single lane as necessary bridge rehab takes place.
“If there is a concern, police would stop them and confirm their identity and whether they’re on the use of authorized users,” remarked Gardiner
The type of work currently being done on the bridge requires crews to take off all the asphalt and a thin layer of concrete replacing it with a full concrete deck. Rehab work that is vital every 25 to 30 years, with this project expected to be complete in late August.
Until that time, any unauthorized vehicles attempting to cross the University Bridge are subject to a $90 fine.
“If there is an increased presences of unauthorized vehicles we will call the police to get more enforcement out there,” said Gardiner.
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