Broadway Bridge to close for 6 months starting May 12

The Broadway Bridge in Saskatoon will be closed for repairs for six months, starting May 12, 2025. 

The city says the 93-year-old bridge needs major rehabilitation, including new asphalt, waterproofing and deck repairs. Old and abandoned utilities currently sitting underneath the bridge will also be removed.

The entire bridge will be closed during that time, including the multi-use pathways running along both sides. 

"If we do a full closure of the bridge, the contractor can operate much more efficiently and productivity rates are much higher," said Terry Schmidt, the general manager of transportation and construction, when asked why the city didn't opt for a partial closure of the bridge. 

"Working with industry, the feedback we got was, 'If we do a full bridge closure, the work can be completed in one construction season.'"

Schmidt said the work will cost $15.5 million. 

Broadway Avenue from Saskatchewan Crescent East to 20th Street East will become inaccessible, along with 19th Street East from 3rd Avenue South to Broadway Avenue, and 4th Avenue South from 19th Street East to 20th Street East.

Anne-Marie Cey, the executive director of the Broadway Business Improvement District, said she's been working with local businesses to try to alleviate their concerns ahead of the closure. 

"There's a number of events and activities planned for this summer," she said. "Including the regular Spring Fling, we're looking at hosting some Thursday night block parties in July. We're also offering a free bike valet service in the summer on Saturday."

During the renovations the city will also reconfigure the intersection at 4th Avenue South and 19th Street East. It will be turned into a "T" intersection, removing the island and centre medians, along with the right northbound flow-though lane.

"It's improving the operations for the transit corridor, it's improving safety for traffic, as well as be more accommodating for active transportation," said Schmidt, noting how inaccessible the current intersection is for pedestrian traffic. 

The city said the project will not disrupt pedestrian access to Meewasin Trail, which will be maintained with scaffolding tunnels beneath the bridge. Friendship Park will also remain open.