The abandoned overpass has recently become more visible due to construction in the area. (Screenshot/Ganarly Films)

By Alison Sandstrom

'For posterity'

Videographer highlights abandoned P.A. overpass and local history in new video

May 12, 2021 | 5:11 PM

Soaring visuals of Highway 2 just south of Prince Albert are featured in a new YouTube video that highlights the history of a nearby abandoned overpass.

It’s part of a series called Abandoned Saskatchewan by Saskatoon-based videographer Scott Woroniuk of Ganarly Films.

“[I’m] just trying to document these parts of Saskatchewan’s history that sadly were abandoned and just sort of fall into disrepair,” Woroniuk told paNOW. “I feel like it’s important to document these things just for posterity.”

His other videos have included sights like the Old Nipawin Bridge, twin grain elevators near Wakaw and the McCloy Creek Trestle.

“Abandoned rail lines, abandoned bridges have always been a point of interest for me,” he explained.

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As a former resident of P.A., Woroniuk said he’s known about the old overpass sitting in the bush near Highway 2 for a while, but with new construction in the area, it’s recently become more visible and started generating public interest.

“With the construction going on to the south, I felt it was important, just in case this little piece of Saskatchewan history was to go by the wayside, I should get out there and document it,” said Woroniuk.

He got help from the Prince Albert Historical Society in telling the story of the overpass.

The crossing was built in 1930s to traverse the former Grand Trunk Pacific Railroad.

At the time, Saskatchewan highways were built on top of existing grid roads, or “on the square,” cutting jagged and indirect routes across the province.

In the 1960s, when Highway 2 was reconstructed and straightened, the overpass was abandoned.

The rail line was subsequently also deserted in 1983, but its former path is still clearly visible from the highway.

As for Woroniuk, he’ll likely be back in P.A. soon. The videographer has his sights set on the La Colle Falls Dam for an upcoming project.

With files from Teena Monteleone

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alison.sandstrom@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @alisandstrom