In December, 2017, the Riverside Drive Overpass on the edge of Prince Albert was closed to over-weight truck loads on southbound lanes after it was hit by a semi truck. (Image Credit: File photo/paNOW Staff)

By Nigel Maxwell

Provincial politics

Premier commits to overpass discussions with municipal leaders

Mar 30, 2026 | 4:41 PM

Recent incidents in Saskatoon involving overpasses getting struck by oversized trucks, may create some feelings of Déjà vu for residents in Prince Albert.

In December, 2017, the Riverside Drive Overpass on the edge of the city was closed after it was hit by a semi truck. Four years prior, the overpass was closed for nearly a month after a collision. A semi-truck carrying an over-height backhoe struck the girders supporting the overpass.

The latter incident was mentioned by Premier Scott Moe when he was in Prince Albert on Friday for the Prince Albert and District Chamber of Commerce Luncheon. During a scrum with reporters he said a conversation needs to happen between the Ministry of Highways and the leadership of not just Saskatoon, but other cities and towns where there are overpasses.

 “And insuring this doesn’t happen and if it does happen that there are consequences for the carriers that are causing this damage,” he said.

Premier Scott Moe said overpasses represent vital pieces of infrastructure. pic.twitter.com/jdgIVylbsJ

— Nigel Maxwell (@NigelMaxwell) March 30, 2026

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 Since 1980 the Riverside Drive bridge has been hit 12 times.

Two years after the latest collision in 2019, the City of Prince Albert and provincial government announced a new measure to protect the overpass.

Two sets of crash bars were installed to alert truck drivers of the bridge’s vehicle height restrictions. They provide drivers with a delay to stop their vehicles prior to reaching the overpass.

Warning signs and flashing lights were previously installed.

Moe noted when an overpass is closed, there is a financial cost but also an economic cost to the local businesses who rely on the shipment of goods.

Prince Albert Mayor Bill Powalinsky said he supports the idea for discussions, adding all the cities are dealing with aging infrastructure.

—

nigel.maxwell@pattisonmedia.com

On X: @nigelmaxwell