Saskatoon considers a new bridge just for foot traffic and pipes
City explores crossing between sewage treatment plant and University Heights
The City of Saskatoon is exploring the possibility of constructing the city’s first stand-alone pedestrian bridge and sewer pipe across the South Saskatchewan River.
The city is seeking proposals to build the river crossing until Feb. 27. The pipe/bridge would cross the river south of the waste water treatment plant in the Silverwood Heights neighbourhood.
The pipe would connect the sewage treatment plant on the west side of the river to the University Heights sector on the east side, where much of Saskatoon’s residential growth is supposed to happen.
“The proposed location is roughly halfway between existing bridges (Circle Drive and Chief Mistawasis), which makes it an attractive site to add a connection for cyclists and pedestrians,” says a document posted on the Sask Tenders website.
The submissions are supposed to help city hall make a decision about how to proceed with estimates of the cost. A 2015 feasibility study contracted by the city estimated the cost of a combined sewer pipe and pedestrian bridge at $20 million to $25 million.
A utility bridge without the pedestrian component was estimated to cost $12 million to $17 million, based on a 90-centimetre pipe. Burying the pipe under the river was expected to cost $20 million to $25 million.
Sewer pipes already cross the river under the University Bridge and under the Buckwold Bridge.
The area studied in the 2015 feasibility report was focused between Lenore Drive on the west side of the river and Agra Road on the east side.
The city’s active transportation plan, which was endorsed by city council in 2016, pitches three new pedestrian/cycling bridges, including one at either Lenore Drive or Assiniboine Drive.
The city’s growth plan includes the possibility of a four-lane bridge for vehicles that connects to 33rd Street on the west side of the river and University of Saskatchewan lands expected to be developed in the coming decades.