Single lanes are open on Saskatoon’s University Bridge

Saskatoon’s University Bridge has re-opened to traffic, three days after it was forced to close because of a fire that happened underneath it.

The fire caused a sewer pipe to melt and spill 1.5 million litres (330,000 gallons) into the South Saskatchewan River — causing a mess for city crews to clean up. It also raised questions about the safety of the bridge.

On the morning of Jan.22, the bridge underwent a structural inspection and crews determined it was safe to re-open the bridge.

Saskatoon’s University Bridge has re-opened to traffic, three days after it was forced to close because of a fire that happened underneath it. (Lara Fominoff/650 CKOM)

While it’s good news that the city is re-opening one of its busiest bridges, it will not be at full capacity for the time being. For now, traffic will be flowing in one lane in both directions until workers can repair the damaged sewage pipe underneath the bridge. No timeline was given for when that repair will be complete.

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The City of Saskatoon in a statement said that it’s continuing to work closely with the Ministry of Environment after the sewage spilled onto the bridge arches and South Saskatchewan River below.

According to the city, the fire at what appeared to be an encampment started just before 10 p.m. on Jan. 20, at Spadina Crescent and 25th Street East. (Will Mandzuk/650CKOM)

The walkway underneath the far west side of the bridge remains closed at this time. The south walkway on the other side of the bridge and the Meewasin Trail on the west side of the bridge are open.

 — With files from 650 CKOM’s Shane Clausing