Chief Mistawasis Bridge
Chief Mistawasis Bridge | |
---|---|
Coordinates | 52°11′51″N 106°36′56″W / 52.19750°N 106.61556°W |
Carries | 6 lanes of McOrmond Drive, 2 multi-use paths |
Crosses | South Saskatchewan River |
Locale | Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada |
Other name(s) | North Commuter Bridge |
Named for | Mistawasis |
Owner | City of Saskatoon |
Preceded by | Circle Drive Bridge |
Characteristics | |
Design | Girder bridge |
Material | Reinforced concrete, steel |
Total length | 270 metres (890 ft) |
Height | 21.6 metres (71 ft) |
No. of spans | 4 |
Piers in water | 3 |
No. of lanes | 6 |
History | |
Constructed by | Graham Commuter Partners |
Construction start | Early 2016 |
Construction end | October 1, 2018 |
Opened | October 2, 2018 |
Inaugurated | October 2, 2018 |
Location | |
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The Chief Mistawasis Bridge (known as the North Commuter Parkway Bridge prior to June 2018) is a girder bridge in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan.[1][2] The bridge officially opened on Oct. 2, 2018[3], and extends McOrmond Drive across the South Saskatchewan River to connect to Marquis Drive, providing a commuter bypass connecting communities on Saskatoon's northeast and eastern sides more directly to industrial and business development on the city's north. Construction of this bridge, located in the northern portion of the city, was financed in concert with construction of replacement for the 1907 Traffic Bridge in the downtown core, which was closed in 2010; that project was opened to traffic on October 3, 2018.[4][3].
In July 2016 officials announced that, when the bridge was complete, it would be given a name tied to Canada's indigenous peoples.[5] The bridge was officially named the Chief Mistawasis Bridge, in honour of Mistawasis, the head of the Prairie Tribe and signer of Treaty 6 in 1876, at a ceremony on June 21, 2018.[6]
In March of 2017 CBC News described how a berm constructed in the river bed, to channel water around where the bridge's piers were being built was providing an opportunity for urban surfers.[7] Officials warned thrill-seekers that construction made the water near the bridge extra hazardous.[8]
With its bridge-deck 21.6 metres (71 ft) above the river, it is Saskatoon's second highest bridge.[9]
References
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2017-04-20. "2 new Saskatoon bridges on track to open in fall 2018, city says". CBC News. Retrieved 2017-05-02.
At the Traffic Bridge site, three of four bridge spans have been installed, and work on the trusses for the final span is expected to be finished over the next two months.
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Meaghan Craig, David Giles (2017-04-21). "Saskatoon bridge projects reach milestone". Global News. Retrieved 2017-05-02.
Construction of the new Traffic Bridge and North Commuter Parkway is at the halfway point.
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Dave Diebert (2018-10-02). "'Culmination of many years': Mistawasis Bridge, new Traffic Bridge open in Saskatoon". Saskatoon Star-Phoenix. Retrieved 2018-10-02.
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"North Commuter Parkway and Traffic Bridge: Bridging to Tomorrow". City of Saskatoon. Retrieved 2017-05-02.
Formerly called the "North Commuter Bridge", the North Commuter Parkway project will link the Marquis Industrial area with the University Heights area, by extending Marquis Drive across the South Saskatchewan River and connecting to McOrmond Drive at Fedoruk Drive.
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Francois Biber (2016-07-21). "New Saskatoon bridge getting Indigenous name: The North Commuter Parkway Bridge is expected to be complete in 2018". CBC News. Retrieved 2017-05-02.
{{cite news}}
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suggested) (help) - ^ Ashleigh Mattern (2018-06-21). "Saskatoon's North Commuter Parkway bridge named after Chief Mistawasis". CBC News. Retrieved 2018-08-15.
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Danny Kerslake (2017-03-16). "New Saskatoon bridge getting Indigenous name: The North Commuter Parkway Bridge is expected to be complete in 2018". CBC News. Retrieved 2017-05-02.
In order to build the new Traffic Bridge, work crews have had to create a berm into the river with a small opening. When the swift-flowing river is chanelled through the breach in the berm, it creates a stationary, ready-to-surf wave.
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David Giles (2017-03-16). "Work on 2 new Saskatoon bridges continues at a rapid pace". Global News. Retrieved 2017-05-02.
He cautioned that although work is progressing, people need to stay away from the construction zone.
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Phil Tank (2016-11-23). "Saskatoon's newest bridge rises in remote spot". Saskatoon Star-Phoenix. Retrieved 2017-05-02.
The height of the completed pier looked impressive, and Willems confirmed the bridge's height above the river — 21.6 metres will make it Saskatoon's second tallest bridge.
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