Historic bridge south of Prince Albert to be demolished after safety review

The bridge, which Clunie said dates back to the 1930s, came with land acquired by Signature Developments. The company had originally intended to retain it as a future access point to an acreage development east of the highway frontage.

Signature Developments said previously they planned to incorporate the former Highway 2 bridge into a 160-acre commercial and residential development south of Prince Albert. At the time, Clunie said the bridge was being considered because of its heritage significance.

That plan has now changed. Signature Developments said publicly the bridge is unstable and unsafe, and the company is asking people to stay away from it. A statement posted by the company said demolition is scheduled for fall 2026.

Clunie said the concern is not just the bridge’s long-term condition, but the immediate risk if someone climbs onto it.

“It’s very high up and a little kid could go through one of those things and fall. It’s quite a distance to the ground. So it’s become something that we need to deal with.”

While the bridge will not remain standing, Clunie said the company still plans to recognize its place in local history. A municipal reserve is planned beside the site as part of the highway commercial development, with a commemorative feature and park space honouring the bridge.

“We’ll do a commemorative reflection of the bridge and integrate it into the park and a point of interest.”

Clunie said he also has original drawings of the bridge and has been working with someone producing a documentary on similar bridges in Saskatchewan.

“It was built in the 1930s and it was one of, I think, 13 in Saskatchewan,” he said, adding similar structures were built as road bridges over railways during that era.

Clunie continued that developments in the area is also expanding. At The Junction, Lake Country Co-op is moving ahead with the second phase of its agro development, including a new agri-store and related work, while a cardlock fuel centre is planned near the RM offices.

At The Yard, Clunie said two more hotels are under construction, one next to Yard Liquor and another south of the Holiday Inn Express. He said a new Tim Hortons is also being built north of the Holiday Inn Express, with more development expected as lots are sold to vertical developers.

READ MORE: Development happening south of Prince Albert

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susan.mcneil@pattisonmedia.com

On BlueSky: susanmcneil@bsky.social

by Susan McNeil

Historic bridge south of Prince Albert to be demolished after safety review

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