SASKATOON – It’s been 100 years in the making and now it is a reality.
Dignitaries and the public gathered at the new Circle Drive South Bridge Wednesday afternoon to officially open the bridge.
“This bridge will connect neighbourhoods in a way city leaders envisioned decades ago,” said Saskatoon Mayor Don Atchison,
“We are also fulfilling a goal … to provide better ways to move around Saskatoon and improve the quality of life for everyone in our community.”
Along with shortening commuting distances, it is estimated the new bridge will reduce traffic on the Senator Sid Buckwold Bridge by 35 per cent.
The bridge is also an important venture for the federal government, which provided $96 million for the project.
“Our government is pleased to see the opening of the Circle Drive South Bridge project, an important part of the Asia-Pacific Gateway,” said Ed Fast, Canada’s international minister of trade.
“By directly supporting trade flows inter-provincially and internationally, this project will ultimately lead to the creation of new jobs, stronger economic growth and greater long-term prosperity in every region of our country.”
Construction on the $300 million project began in 2010 and encompasses the six-lane bridge, 10 kilometeres of freeway and five interchanges along with other amenities.
The province invested $98.5 million towards the largest infrastructure project in city history.
“(This) investment will ensure that moving forward, Saskatoon’s shippers and motorists will have the advantage of one of the safest and most efficient roadways our province has to offer,” said Don McMorris, minister of highways and infrastructure.
The official opening ceremony was followed by a parade of cyclists and walkers, the only time the bridge will be open to pedestrians and bicycles.
The bridge officially opens to traffic at 8 p.m.
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