University Bridge

Description of the Historic Place

The University Bridge spans the South Saskatchewan River from the corner of 25th Street and Spadina Crescent to College Drive and Clarence Avenue.  Built in 1916, the University Bridge was the first reinforced concrete bridge in Saskatoon. 

This historic place is listed under Bylaw No. 6770 (Holding Bylaw). This Bylaw provides short-term protection of the structure from demolition by providing for a 60 day holding period in the event a demolition permit is received. Within that 60 day period heritage designation is considered by City Council.

Heritage Value

The University Bridge was built to link the neighbourhood of Sutherland and the University of Saskatchewan with the central part of the city. The bridge was designed by Adam P. Lindner, who was hired in the spring of 1912 as the assistant chief engineer to the Board of Highway Commissioners. Lindner was responsible for bridge construction in the Province. He changed the proposed steel bridge, like the city's railroad bridges, to a relatively new bridge design, a steel-reinforced concrete arch bridge. A notable feature of its original design was the descending size of its arches, which were described as "like a stone skipping across water". When the University Bridge was built it was the longest such bridge in Canada at 378 metres (1240 feet) long.

Construction of the bridge initially began in 1913, but was delayed when the original contractor went bankrupt.  The bridge was eventually completed in 1916 by the provincial government, with the City of Saskatoon paying one-third of the $520,000 cost. Although a double line of streetcar track was laid over the University Bridge when it was built, it was never used and the rails were removed in 1947.

Between 1998 and 1999 a major reconstruction of the bridge was completed.  The characteristic interior arches were rebuilt, antique lighting was installed and decorative outer handrails that echo the curves of the arches were created. Despite being a part of Saskatoon for most of the city’s history, the University Bridge was not formally named until January 1, 2006. Today, the University Bridge adds visual appeal and character to the city, and solidifies Saskatoon’s identity as the ‘City of Bridges.’

Source: City of Saskatoon Built Heritage Database

Character Defining Elements

Key elements which contribute to the heritage value of this historic resource include:

• Those features that relate to the bridge's historic value including its original location, its materials, form, arches, lighting and decorative handrails.