Third Overpass Incident in Saskatoon This Month Prompts Safety Inspections
For the third time in March, a large vehicle has collided with an overpass in Saskatoon, with the latest incident occurring on Sunday afternoon. According to city officials, an "over height" vehicle struck the Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC) rail and pedestrian overpass that crosses Circle Drive, located south of the Attridge Drive overpass.
Traffic Disruptions and Ongoing Assessments
The collision happened around 2 p.m. on Sunday, leading police to restrict traffic to just one northbound lane on Circle Drive. By 4 p.m. that same day, train traffic had resumed over the bridge, but vehicle traffic remained limited between 108th Street and Attridge Drive.
The city stated that these traffic restrictions will continue until CPKC engineers complete their structural assessment of the overpass. Inspections are expected to be finalized on March 23, with officials monitoring the situation closely to ensure public safety.
Recent History of Overpass Collisions
This incident marks the third such collision in Saskatoon during March alone:
- March 11: An over-height load struck the overpass at Circle Drive and 108th Street around 5 p.m. City staff and structural engineers responded immediately, clearing loose concrete and debris before confirming the structure remained safe for use.
- March 5: A semi-truck carrying cargo on Highway 11 clipped the cloverleaf at Circle Drive and Highway 16, also around 5 p.m., causing what the city described as "significant damage."
Potential Consequences for Drivers
The city has indicated that drivers involved in these incidents could face charges and fines. Dan Willems, the city's director of technical services, emphasized that the overpass in question has been in place for 60 years without any changes to its height.
"There was no permit for them to be travelling on this route and the load was significantly higher than the available clearance," Willems stated. "Even if this bridge was 10 feet taller, it would have hit it and would have hit the next one down the road."
These repeated incidents highlight ongoing concerns about oversized vehicles navigating Saskatoon's infrastructure and the importance of proper route planning and permitting for commercial transport.
