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VIDEO: Saskatoon bridge demolition removes final span

November 18, 2016
The final section of a defunct bridge in Saskatoon has now been removed by demolition contractor Rakowski Cartage & Wrecking. Excavators fitted with hydraulic breakers were employed by the firm to break up the final span, which collapsed into the river as planned. Demolition work to remove the defunct structure commenced in 2012. Other sections of the bridge were removed using explosive demolition earlier this year.

Work to construct the Saskatoon Traffic Bridge, also known as the Victoria Bridge, commenced in 1906 and the link opened to traffic in 1907. The construction of the 290m long truss-type bridge was instrumental in the development of modern day Saskatoon as the link connected Nutan on the east bank of the South Saskatchewan River, with Saskatoon and Riversdale on the west bank. When the bridge was constructed it cost $106,000, however it closed to traffic in 2010 as it was no longer considered structurally sound. The old structure joined Victoria Avenue to 3rd Avenue South and Spadina Crescent and the new bridge taking its place will be complete in 2018.

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