Released on January 8, 2014
A plan is in place to repair and reopen the St. Louis Bridge today.The bridge will reopen as soon as temporary traffic signals and signs are installed. The Highway Hotline will be updated as soon as the bridge reopens. One-way traffic will be in effect and traffic lights will be in operation until the repairs are complete.
“Our government responded as quickly as possible to get the St. Louis Bridge reopened to traffic,” Highways and Infrastructure Minister Don McMorris said. “We’re also continuing work on the new bridge so this region will have a modern structure that can handle the vehicle weights and dimensions that support agriculture and other industries.”
“We appreciate the patience of the people who use this bridge on a daily basis while we worked to reopen the bridge,” Batoche MLA Delbert Kirsch said. “This bridge is 100 years old and the public can rest assured that safety is the primary consideration in its operation.”
When it opens later today, traffic will be routed on the southbound lane while repairs are made to the northbound lane first. Traffic will then move over to the northbound lane as repairs are made to the southbound lane. Work is expected to begin today and two-way traffic is expected to resume within about five days. Reopening of the bridge is subject to good winter weather and the progress of the repair crew.
The bridge was closed to traffic as a precautionary measure on January 3 after a crack was observed running across the bridge. Inspection by Ministry of Highways and Infrastructure engineers determined the crack was caused by a combination of corrosion to an expansion joint and the recent cold temperatures.
Update: The bridge is open to light traffic (cars and light trucks) that are eight tonnes or less as well as school buses.
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For more information, contact:
Doug Wakabayashi
Highways and Infrastructure
Regina
Phone: 306-787-4804
Email: doug.wakabayashi@gov.sk.ca