Taking shape: McOrmond-College overpass getting girders

The construction scene surrounding McOrmond Drive and College Drive is about to become a lot more active.

The City of Saskatoon announced Thursday the McOrmond Drive overpass will start to take shape Monday as massive concrete girders are lifted into place.

Measuring between 29 to 38 metres in length, the girders will support the bridge deck that will eventually carry traffic between Brighton and Willowgrove without interrupting vehicles travelling on College Drive.

The installation of the 56 girders is expected to take three weeks, with a 250-tonne crane lifting them into place as they arrive from an Alberta manufacturer.

During the process, traffic along College Drive east of McOrmond Drive will be reduced to one lane in either direction. The city said the temporary intersection between the two roads won’t be affected.

“The contractor made good progress during the winter with getting the substructure done,” project manager Bryan Zerebeski said.

“They’ve brought in significantly more resources and we’re happy with the plans they’ve made.”

The McOrmond-College interchange is completely funded by private developers in the area.

Zerebeski said the plan is to open the overpass to traffic in October, barring weather delays.

He added girders will be installed later in the year at the Boychuk Drive and Highway 16 overpass, which is expected to open in 2019.

—With files from 650 CKOM’s Jay Thomas.