Watch above: The scheduled lane reductions during repairs on the University Bridge this spring has downtown organizations concerned about congestion. Wendy Winiewski talks to the stakeholders and finds out what temporary solutions are being sought.
SASKATOON – Downtown stakeholders met with city officials Thursday in a closed door meeting to discuss the impact of temporarily closing three of four lanes of the University Bridge.
“It’ll still have an impact but it’s just something people are going to have to plan their day for,” said the city’s Asset Preservation Manager Rob Frank following the meeting.
The 1916 structure hasn’t had restoration work since the 1970’s. No longer able to delay repairs, the city is scheduling a four-month closure from May through August to replace the deck surface. The work is expected to cost between six and eight million dollars.
Upwards of 40,000 motorists use University Bridge every day.
READ MORE: Traffic nightmare coming to downtown Saskatoon next year
The base bid stipulates the construction company must keep one eastbound lane open during the project to accommodate emergency vehicles heading to Royal University Hospital. The tender closes on Jan. 28.
Todd Brandt with Tourism Saskatoon attended the ‘invite only’ meeting. Acknowledging the closure will impact motorists, Brandt’s concern is the effect the construction will have on the Saskatoon’s lengthy list of summer events and festivals. Everything from access to construction noise could be an issue.
“Groups like Shakespeare on the Saskatchewan, the Prairie Lily,” said Brandt in reference to noise concerns. “The Fireworks Festival which quite frankly has historically closed the Broadway Bridge for a short period of time might need to make alternate plans off of the bridge.”
The Downtown Business Improvement District (BID) is advocating for 24-hour work to shorten the construction timeframe.
“My hope is that, most customers are pretty loyal so if you’re going to shop at your favorite place, you’ll continue to shop there,” said Brent Penner with the BID.
Seventeen representatives attended the discussion on Thursday morning. Two more sessions are scheduled for Wednesday Jan. 28 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
In an attempt to lessen the impact, stakeholders brought forward suggestions including adjusting morning and evening commutes through employee scheduling. Another idea is possibly allowing transit access to the open lane, enhanced with a park and ride program.
The city said it will also be encouraging commuters to use alternate forms of transportation during the construction.
Comments