University Bridge in Saskatoon reopens after fatal motorcycle crash

A 22-year-old woman has died after a motorcycle crash in Saskatoon.

The crash between a car and a motorcycle at around 7:30 a.m. CST led to a shut down of the University Bridge at the peak of Saskatoon's morning commute on Thursday. Traffic restrictions on University Bridge were removed by approximately 4:45 p.m. CST.

The collision happened near the downtown end of the bridge.

Police closed down vehicle and pedestrian traffic and taped off access from 25th Street, Spadina Crescent, College Drive and Clarence Avenue. The motorcycle slid about 100 metres past the crash point, leaving a debris trail and coming to rest against a curb on 25th Street.

Saskatoon police told media the 22-year-old driver of the motorcycle was transported to hospital, where she was later pronounced dead.

On Thursday morning, city crews were setting up barricades at both ends of the bridge and police were telling pedestrians that it would remain closed for an unknown length of time.

The closure affected traffic across the city.

The Broadway Bridge is already closed for maintenance, and drivers coming downtown on College Drive were shifted to the Victoria Bridge, which is already clogged because the roundabout at its downtown base is partially closed, forcing drivers to divert through a convoluted circuit that passes in front of the Remai Modern art museum.