Saskatoon University Bridge could open in 1-2 weeks

Saskatoon drivers will honk their horns in delight to hear the University Bridge could reopen in as little as a week.

The City of Saskatoon announced Thursday the bridge’s rehabilitation project is two to three weeks ahead of schedule and the bridge will reopen before mid August. The bridge closed May 3 and was originally scheduled to reopen Aug. 30.
 
“The rehabilitation of the iconic university bridge is going very well right now. We’re very happy with the progress of the second phase of construction,” city asset preservation manager Rob Frank said.

Weather, contract incentives and lack of mishaps all sped up construction Frank said. The city does not have an exact date for the reopening.

Despite an early opening, the city will not save any money. Their $6-million contract with Ontario-based Horseshoe Hill Construction Inc includes a site rental clause where the company pays $10,000 a day to rent the road for the work. If work goes beyond Aug. 30, the city gets a discount on repairs, but if the company finishes early, the city doesn’t save anything.