Construction of the North Commuter Parkway is moving ahead as planned, according to officials with the City of Saskatoon.
The first of three piers is now complete on the west side of the South Saskatchewan River. When finished, the bridge will connect the Marquis Industrial area and University Heights.
READ MORE: Progress made on Saskatoon’s North Commuter Parkway
Piers will range in size – up to 25 metres tall from the foundation up. A three per cent slope is expected between the riverbanks.
The first span of the bridge is scheduled to be built by spring, according to Dan Willems, the city’s director of major projects, who gave media a tour of the site Wednesday.
“The mild winter we had last year and the extended mild, mild weather we’ve had here through October-November has definitely helped facilitate construction,” Willems said.
Heat is needed for pouring concrete. Concrete poured last Friday is covered with tarps in order to contain warmth while the concrete cures.
The $211 million bridge and surrounding infrastructure are scheduled for completion in October 2018.
Site construction began in January 2016.
“On day one, the traffic projections are that this bridge will carry 20,000 vehicles a day,” Willems said, adding that traffic will be primarily commuters.
READ MORE: Demolition of final span of Saskatoon’s Traffic Bridge underway
The city’s Bridging to Tomorrow Project includes the new Traffic Bridge, which is also scheduled to be finished in October 2018.
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