Saskatoon opened two new bridges this week.
Traffic Bridge
This river crossing dates back to 1907 when a steel truss bridge was constructed to connect the community of Nutana on the east side of the river with the communities of Saskatoon and Riversdale on the west side as part of the formation of the City of Saskatoon.
As it was the first non rail crossing constructed, it was known from the beginning as the Traffic Bridge for its function within the fledgling city.
Deterioration and neglect led to the permanent closure of the original bridge in 2010. City Council opted to build a (rather unfortunate) near replica in place of the old bridge, rather than something architecturally significant, or something for pedestrians and cyclists only. However, the traffic lanes are wider than the narrow old bridge, as well as the pedestrian/cycling pathways.
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Chief Mistawasis Bridge
This is a new crossing in the city's far north end, built to connect the fast-growing northeast neighbourhoods on the east side of the river with the north industrial employment area on the west side of the river.
The bridge was named as a response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's Calls to Action. Chief Mistawasis was a signatory of Treaty Six, which encompasses the Saskatoon region, and the traditional hunting grounds of his band include the area.
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