Get ready for major repairs at Sid Buckwold Bridge

Living in the bridge city often means dealing with bridge construction.

More of the same is expected as the City of Saskatoon announced a major rehabilitation project beginning on April 15 at the Senator Sid Buckwold Bridge.

Todd Grabowski, manager of asset preservation for bridges, said the project will be rolled out over two phases, which will extend the project to the end of the 2020 construction season — but it won’t be as frustrating as past bridge projects.

“The difference with this project (is) it will remain open,” Grabowski said. “So, we still encourage people to use the structure, but consider other routes.”

The checklist of work includes: milling the existing asphalt and concrete, resurfacing the bridge and the ramps over 19th Street, strengthening the piers holding up the ramps, widening the pedestrian walkways and replacing the barriers on the bridge with much taller ones.

All that work might cause drivers headaches now, but Grabowski said it will also prevent further repairs from popping up.

Here's a fancy graphic showing lane restrictions for each phase. Lanes will be opened during winter months. #yxe pic.twitter.com/MhrTmfn6S8

— Keenan Sorokan (@KeenanSorokan) March 27, 2019

“The next deck rehabilitation project for this structure will be in approximately 25 to 30 years,” he said. “We won’t need to do barrier work for over 50 years, is what we’re expecting.”

A new drainage system will also be implemented to reduce puddles and help with traction.

The first phase of construction will see southbound lanes closed. Three lanes will remain open on the east side of the bridge, allowing for two lanes to move northbound and one lane moving southbound.

The opposite will occur when phase two begins in April 2020 as the northbound lanes and the walkway will be closed.

Construction for each phase is expected to end by October 31. Lane restrictions will be lifted during that time, but speed restrictions will stay in place.