From City of Saskatoon Website. Great "Questions and Answers" section -
Traffic Bridge Needs Assessment
The Traffic Bridge connecting the Nutana neighbourhood to Saskatoon’s downtown is over 100 years old. It currently serves a minor traffic role on a daily basis, however acts as a vital bypass route when other bridges are closed. It is also a well-used pedestrian and cyclist crossing of the South Saskatchewan River.
Regular inspections have determined that the superstructure (steel componenets and deck) of the Traffic Bridge is reaching the end of its natural life. With this aging Bridge, decisions need to be made about its future.
The public is invited to a come-and-go Open House on Tuesday, June 22 at Nutana Collegiate, to duscuss what is important to residents, what you value and what your priorities are for the future of the Traffic Bridge.
Traffic Bridge Open House
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. (come-and-go)
Nutana Collegiate - auditorium
411 - 11th Street East
Civic staff and the Consultant will be present to provide information, answer questions and gather public input.
Public opinion will also be gathered on an on-line Traffic Bridge Forum starting on June 23 and continuing until mid-July, 2010. Check back here for information.
Additional open houses will be held in September and October to present alternate concepts and the recommended option(s), and to getehr final public feedback to be incorporated into any future design.
In May 2010, the City hired a Contractor to conduct a transportation needs assessment for the Bridge. The project will be completed in teh late fall and includes:
• public consultation (three open houses and an on-line forum);
• the assessment of current traffic, pedestrian and cycling usage;
• recommendations for the number of lanes required if it is to remain a traffic bridge;
• what changes would be necessary to increase its utility as a traffic bridge;
• an evaluation of structural requirements to retain the existing bridge; and,
• how the bridge might be configured as a transit-only or pedestrian/cyclist-only facility.
Background
The Traffic Bridge officially opened on October 10, 1907. As Saskatoon’s first bridge specifically designed for foot and vehicle traffic, it was built to provide a safe and reliable way for vehicles, pedestrians and freight to cross the river. Although it has been known by several names over its long history, it is most correctly called by its original name: the “Traffic Bridge”.
Questions and Answers
Is the Traffic Bridge safe?
Yes. The most recent inspection (fall of 2009) determined that only minor repairs are required at this time and that there is no immediate concern with the capacity of the bridge to handle the current five tonne load limit. The inspection also noted that corrosion is continuing to advance. The Bridge is inspected annually to ensure public safety due to uncertainties in the rate of deterioration.
The repair in 2006 was expected to extend the life of the Bridge. What happened?
The interim repair allowed the aging bridge to re-open to traffic and to be serviceable for up to 20 years, however there is the possibility that a future annual inspection may reveal a deficiency which would require immediate closure of the Bridge.
Would keeping motor vehicles off of the Bridge and allowing only pedestrians and cyclists extend its life?
Decreasing the load limit will not extend the life of the Traffic Bridge as almost 75% of the total load on the bridge is its own weight. As the bridge continues to deteriorate, more of its remaining capacity will be required to support its own weight.
Can the Bridge be saved?
The concrete river piers are adequate for the current five tonne load limit for approximately 20 years, however it’s too soon to be sure about the superstructure. We’ll know more after we study the contractor’s report detailing the feasibility of completely rehabilitating the existing Traffic Bridge.
What is the environmental impact of completely rehabilitating or removing the superstructure?
The original protective coating on the Bridge’s steel superstructure was lead-based paint. While much of the coating has long been oxidized (i.e. turned to rust), complete rehabilitation or replacement would require a containment system to properly collect and dispose of the paint and rust flakes.
The Traffic Bridge has historical significance as our city’s first bridge for use by pedestrians and vehicles, and it is also the site of the province’s only maritime disaster. Will that be recognized?
The City is reviewing the process for having a City-owned property declared a Municipal, Provincial and/or Federal Heritage Site. Also, the consultation process will help us understand community attitudes, values, and the needs to be addressed when potential options for the Traffic Bridge are considered.
What are some options for the Traffic Bridge?
Options for the Bridge will be determined based on public input, traffic analysis and a structural assessment, and could include complete rehabilitation, construction of a new superstructure on the existing concrete piers or construction of a completely new bridge. Options may include:
· Re-use the existing bridge or components of the existing bridge
· Two-lane or four-lane bridge with wide pedestrian/cyclist paths
· Transit-only bridge with wide pedestrian/cyclist paths
· No replacement (i.e. demolition)
· Pedestrian/cyclist only structure
· Two-lane bridge with capacity for streetcars, with wide pedestrian/cyclist paths
What about the lights on the Traffic Bridge?
The lights could be removed and reused.
How many pedestrians use the Traffic Bridge?
On a typical weekday (in March 2010), we counted:
151 pedestrians, cyclists and skateboarders between 7am and 9am
107 pedestrians and cyclists between 11:30am and 13:30pm
184 pedestrians and cyclists between 4 pm and 6 pm
Has the volume of traffic using the bridge changed?
Yes, for instance, the opening of the Senator Sid Buckwold Bridge in 1966 removed almost 7,000 vehicles a day from the Traffic Bridge.
Why start this study now?
The limited service life of the Traffic Bridge means that decisions will need to be made about its future. We need to prepare for those discussions now.
Traffic Bridge Facts
Weight Restriction - 5 tonnes
Height Restriction - 2.6 metres (8’-6”)
Driving Lanes - 2 narrow driving lanes, 2.9 metres wide/each, no shoulder
Pedestrian Walkway - 1.8 metres wide, on the westside of the superstructure only
Average Weekday Use - 7,493 vehicles in 2008 (3,472 northbound and 4,021 southbound)
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