Gabriel Dumont Park pedestrian bridge to undergo repairs

The wooden pedestrian bridge that provides access to Gabriel Dumont Park from Saskatchewan Crescent W will be repaired. On April 11, the Saskatoon Fire Department (SFD) responded to a report of a fire in Gabriel Dumont Park and found the walkway structure in flames. The crew put the fire out and turned the scene over to the City’s Facilities Department, after which time it was reviewed by a bridge engineer.

Following the bridge assessment, the building engineer concluded that the fire had concentrated at the east end of the bridge. Fortunately, the fire did not significantly affect the structural capacity of the bridge and the assessment concluded the walkway bridge does not need to be replaced. Repairs to the bridge will include replacement of approximately 7.5m of floorboards, railings -- including posts -- and the centre wood stringer. 

Barring any unforeseen circumstances, an external contractor is scheduled to start work Tuesday, April 30 estimating about two weeks to complete. The railings will be repainted after the bridge repairs are finished.

Pedestrians are asked to avoid the area and follow signage directing them to use an alternate route until the walkway is reopened.