Saskatoon’s University Bridge partially reopens after fire

The University Bridge has reopened to traffic after 63 hours of full closure due to a fire Sunday night that caused damage to a sanitary sewer main.

In an update sent Wednesday afternoon, the City of Saskatoon said the bridge was opened following a structural inspection conducted Wednesday morning.

However, according to the city, traffic restrictions are in place until the sanitary sewer line, which was melted by the fire, can be repaired.

The city says a temporary bypass line has been installed on the east end of the bridge and on the north walkway, which remains closed.

“Until the sanitary sewer line is repaired, and the bypass line is no longer needed, traffic is being accommodated with one lane in each direction,” Jay Magus, the city’s director of transportation said.

“Signage is in place and drivers are encouraged to utilize the zipper merging technique by taking turns at the merge points.”

The City of Saskatoon says it’s working closely with the Saskatchewan Ministry of Environment as wastewater spilled out of the damaged sanitary sewer line onto the bridge arches and riverbank below.

While the south walkway of the bridge and the Meewasin Trail on the west side of the bridge are open, the walkway under the far west end of the bridge is temporarily closed as the cleanup continues.