As part of the City of Saskatoon’s bridge maintenance program, crews will begin repairs to the Idylwyld Drive over 19th Street overpass on Monday, September 14. The work is expected to last approximately five weeks, weather permitting.
“The maintenance work is necessary to repair deteriorated concrete and restore deck joint seals on the bridge,” says Rob Frank, Manager of Asset Preservation. “A temporary structure will support the bridge while concrete is removed and replaced. This work will ensure the continued use of the overpass well into the future.”
The project was designed to minimize the impact to drivers and to ensuring traffic continues to move on and under the overpass. The work will be carried out in two phases:
Phase 1 Concrete Repairs – approximately 2 – 3 weeks (24-hour restrictions)
- Idylwyld Drive over 19th Street southbound curb (outside) lane will be closed
- 1st Avenue under Idylwyld Drive southbound curb (outside) lane will be closed
Phase 2 Expansion joint seal replacements – approximately 2 weeks (night restrictions only 8pm – 6am)
- Alternating full closures of one of the following
- Idylwyld Drive northbound over 19th Street
- Idylwyld Drive southbound over 19th Street
- 1st Ave northbound Ramp over 19th Street
Access to Sid Buckwold Bridge will be maintained at all times.
“This is a high traffic area so we do expect there will be delays,” says Frank. “However, now that the rehabilitation of the University Bridge is complete and work is beginning to wrap up at the Cloverleaf, this is the best timing for these repairs to occur.”
In an effort to reduce the overall cost of bridge structures, the City focuses on preservation in order to protect the financial investment as well as maximize the sustainability of the infrastructure. The City’s Bridge Strategy moving forward includes the rehabilitation of at least two bridge/overpass structures per year. The Ruth Street overpass is slated for rehabilitation in 2016.
Slow down, pay attention and respect work zones. Watch for pedestrians and work crews, and for everyone’s safety, please obey all detours, signs and barriers.
Know before you go! Plan your route around road work by checking our Road Restrictions and Construction Projects interactive map. Find traffic detour information and subscribe to Traffic Detour Service Alerts at saskatoon.ca/service-alerts. You can also follow us on Twitter @YXEServiceAlert.