By Glenn Hicks

Overpass repairs set to start

Mar 12, 2018 | 12:00 PM

For motorists using the Diefenbaker Bridge there is finally some light at the end of the tunnel, so to speak, but users of the bridge will have to bear some additional hassle until at least the end of the month.

Work to repair the Riverside Dr. Underpass is getting underway roughly three months after a support beam was damaged by an oversized semi attempting to pass underneath. The contractor and engineering team were moving into position today to begin constructing the shoring system they will use during the repairs.

“They will cut a section of the beam that was damaged, because it is beyond repair,” City Operations Manager Mohammad Kraishan told paNOW. “They will replace it with a new section of girder.”

Since the beam was damaged Dec. 6, one lane on the approach to the Diefenbaker Bridge has been out of commission for safety reasons. That will remain the case throughout the repair, Kraishan said, and Riverside Dr. under the overpass is completely off limits in both directions.

“In order for them to put up their shoring system, there will be columns and piers going from the ground up to support the bridge, so there’s no possibility for traffic to go through,” Kraishan said.

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Traffic cones and signage are in place, and a detour requires motorists to head from Highway 55 East through the north industrial area onto Highway 2.

The project will also involve repairs to the guard rail leading onto the bridge, which was damaged by another accident, also involving a semi.

glenn.hicks@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @princealbertnow