News Releases

Repairs to the sanitary sewer line damaged during a fire last week under the University Bridge are complete and the bridge has been fully reopened to traffic.

The damaged section of the sanitary sewer main has been successfully repaired. Wastewater flow has been reintroduced to the repaired pipe without issue. The bypass piping installed on the north pedestrian walkway was removed today and all traffic restrictions have been lifted. The walkway on the north side of the University Bridge and the walkway under the far west end of the bridge have been reopened.

The Meewasin Trail underneath the west side of the bridge remains open but the Meewasin Trail underneath the east side of the bridge and trails further down the bank are closed for additional work to take place this spring. Once the snow and ice have melted, the area will be treated to eliminate surface bacteria. The site will then undergo a thorough environmental reassessment by the Ministry of Environment, Environment and Climate Change Canada, the Water Security Agency and the City of Saskatoon.

Repairs to the sanitary sewer line damaged during a fire last week under the University Bridge are nearing completion; however, traffic restrictions remain in place.

The damaged section of the sanitary sewer main has been successfully repaired. Wastewater flow has been reintroduced to the repaired pipe without issue. The bypass piping currently installed on the north pedestrian walkway of the bridge will stay in place as a precaution for the first 24 hours of operation.

Additional lane closures will be required on University Bridge to facilitate the removal of bypass piping. On Tuesday, January 28, beginning at 9:00 a.m. both westbound lanes of the University Bridge will be temporarily closed to allow for the removal of the bypass piping on the walkway. One lane of traffic in each direction will be open until the work is completed. It’s expected it will take crews until approximately 5:00 p.m. to remove the temporary lines, weather permitting and barring any unforeseen circumstances.

The walkway on the north side of the University Bridge is closed, but the south walkway is open. For safety, pedestrians and cyclists are advised to stay on the south walkway and off the bridge deck. The Meewasin Trail underneath the east side of the bridge and the walkway under the far west end of the bridge are closed. The Meewasin Trail on the west side of the bridge remains open.

Saskatoon Transit is affected by these detours. Transit service alerts and real-time bus information are available on third-party apps like Transit and Google Maps Transit on desktop.

Sewer line maintenance will begin Tuesday, January 28 at WJL Harvey North Park in Silverwood Heights. Residents should note that park access may be restricted and are asked to observe posted signage. We anticipate that the work will be completed before the weekend.

This work may temporarily result in some noticeable odours in surrounding areas, depending on wind direction and speed. Additionally, the work will have no impact on air quality and will not pose health risks to residents.

*This report includes road restrictions on Priority 1 (high traffic, high speed) streets only.

NEW

4TH AVE S SB CURB LANE CLOSED FROM 21ST ST E TO 20TH ST E
(Career fair)
Start: January 28, 8:00 a.m. End: January 28, 4:00 p.m.

ONGOING

MELVILLE ST ROAD CLOSED FROM BRAND RD TO CLARENCE AVE S
(Water & sewer maintenance)
Start: January 27, 8:00 a.m. End: January 31, 5:00 p.m.

8TH ST E ROAD CLOSED FROM MCORMOND DR TO ZIMMERMAN RD
(Road construction)
No access to Zimmerman Rd from 8th St
Start: June 10, 7:00 a.m. End: February 4, 5:00 p.m.

COLLEGE DR WB LANES CLOSED ON UNIVERSITY BRIDGE
(Sewer repairs)
Two-way traffic will be maintained in EB lanes
Start: January 22, 11:30 a.m. End: TBA

BRIGHTON BLVD ROAD CLOSED FROM TASKAMANWA ST TO 8TH ST E
(Construction)
Use McOrmond Dr
Start: November 20, 2023, 7:00 a.m. End: September 26, 2025, 5:00 p.m.

All restrictions will be lifted as indicated, weather permitting and barring any unforeseen circumstances.

For more information about current road restrictions and construction, visit saskatoon.ca/construction.

The Saskatoon Fire Department would like to remind residents and visitors of safe practices for purchasing, enjoying and disposing of fireworks. While celebrating the Chinese New Year and the arrival of the Year of the Snake, low-hazard fireworks are permitted on private property from dusk on Chinese New Year's Eve, Tuesday, January 28, until 12:15 a.m. on Chinese New Year's Day, Wednesday, January 29. 

Low-hazard fireworks are designed for public recreational use. These fireworks travel less than 50m (160ft) high and include items such as roman candles, sparklers, fountains, wheels, volcanoes, mines and snakes. 

High-hazard fireworks are designed for professionals and can only be purchased by persons holding a valid Fireworks Supervisor – Level I or Level II card issued by Natural Resources Canada. 

Residents and spectators are reminded of the risks and obligations associated with fireworks:  

• Carefully read and follow the manufacturer instructions.   
• Exercise increased caution when handling and discharging any type of firework.   
• Choose your location wisely. Fireworks can only be discharged on private property.    
• Familiarize yourself with the space requirements for the type of firework being discharged. Requirements vary depending on the firework type. 
• Ensure your location is free of overhead obstructions, is clear side-to-side and is a safe distance from combustible materials.   
• Ensure that it is not windy and that all spectators are safely located to observe the display.   
• Be sure to properly stabilize the firework according to manufacturer direction.   
• Other than sparklers, never light or hold a lit firework in your hand.   
• Always light the fuse at its tip.   
• Never try to relight or fix the fuse on fireworks that did not go off.   
• Have a supply of water available and use it to extinguish debris or smouldering embers before they cause injuries, property damage and/or fires.    
• Keep in mind that you are solely responsible for any debris that may land on spectators or another’s property.   

For more information about fireworks safety, please visit saskatoon.ca/fireworks.