2 days Ago By Brody Langager
Saskatoon’s Broadway Bridge construction has been pushed back until May, keeping the Broadway area connected to the downtown sector a little longer. Construction was originally set to begin in April, with the rehabilitation project running until October. WHAT WORK IS BEING DONE? Asphalt and waterproofing replacement, major arch repairs and sidewalk repairs are just some of the improvements coming from this project meant to prolong the life of the bridge that was built in 1932.
Estimated project costs were listed at $13.1 million back in June. The city said the contractor plans to have a seven-day-a-week, round-the-clock schedule for this project, which resulted in the change to the start date.
“T hey determined that a May start day would be appropriate. The anticipated completion date has not been pushed back as a result. The project is still expected to wrap up in October,” the city said in a statement.
The intersection at 4th Avenue South and 19th Street East will also be changed into more of a T-intersection during this rehabilitation. Broadway-area modifications will also take place for the Link bus system, with four stations being constructed on Broadway Avenue in mid-May, creating some partial lane closures. HOW DOES THIS AFFECT LOCAL BUSINESS? Anne-Marie Cey, executive director for the Broadway Business Improvement District, said this construction delay will benefit local businesses on Broadway.
“It’s always going to be a disruption. We will always have frustrated people that don’t realize that the bridge is closed and they have to detour,” Cey said. She said it will take people a few weeks to adjust, but the good news is Broadway is still accessible.
Cey pointed to 2016 construction along Broadway, where the city did extensive water main upgrades and road resurfacing. She said things won’t be as disruptive as that. She noted there was still uncertainty about what this summer will look like for Broadway businesses, adding this will likely also impact businesses across the river in the downtown sector.
PROMOTION, PROMOTION, PROMOTION Cey listed a range of things in the works to draw people to Broadway, including an effort to promote alternate modes of transportation, like biking or the scooters that come out with the warm weather. A subcommittee was created, and Cey said much of the effort will go towards marketing and awareness to let people know about what is going on in the area. “Let’s let people know that even though the bridge is closed, Broadway is open.
” PROGRAMS AND EVENTS IN BROADWAY Block parties are just one of the ideas coming forward for Broadway this year. “This would be like a Thursday night, 7 to 10 p.m.
, come out — there will be buskers, there will be music, there will be sidewalk sales, vendors. We’ll shut down two blocks, not the whole street, and it will be before the weekend,” Cey said. There’s also the normal events that happen each year along Broadway, like the Spring Fling on June 7 .
A community patio space is well underway, and it will sit at the four paid parking spaces on the terminus of 12th Street East. Performers and community groups will be able to book the space throughout the summer, and the project will run in Broadway for five years. Other busking opportunities are available at the Little Stone Stage as well as a busking corner.
Cey spoke about a spend and earn program, where people who buy stuff from Broadway businesses and submit their receipt can get things like a shopping bag or bunny hug. She said this coincided well with the tariff situation, saying many people are turning to buy-local. “Everyone is looking to support local business,” Cey said.
She also spoke about a website and app called Driftscape, which Cey says will allow them to list places of interest, walking tours, and events happening in the area. “We’re just going to do the best we can to keep Broadway top of mind.” RelatedBroadway BID community patio to serve as pilot project in SaskatoonAs drug crisis continues, Broadway BID offers businesses naloxone training and security advice'Skeleton crews and shoestring budgets': Checking in on Saskatoon festivals The Saskatoon Star Phoenix has created an Afternoon Headlines newsletter that can be delivered daily to your inbox so you are up to date with the most vital news of the day.
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