St. Louis Bridge

The provincial government is constructing a new bridge on Highway 2 over the North Saskatchewan River at St. Louis. The current bridge at St. Louis is 96 years old and must be replaced due to safety considerations, and because it is not capable of carrying primary weight loads, the highest legal load limit for shippers in Saskatchewan.

The new St. Louis Bridge will bridge will be built 1.6 km east of the existing bridge, as this location has the best foundation conditions, the best sight lines, the least impact on agricultural land as it follows an existing north-south road allowance, and is the most economical route. This location was chosen in 2001 following community consultation.

The project also includes new connecting roads from the new bridge to Highway 2 that will be constructed east of the existing highway. The road south of the bridge will continue for a distance of approximately 6 km connecting up with Highway 2 immediately south of Hoey.  The road north of the bridge will connect to the existing highway about 500 m from the new bridge.

Construction of the north bridge approach is expected to begin in March 2011.  Work will begin on the bridge abutments and piers in the summer of 2011, with the bulk of the steel superstructure and bridge deck built in 2012.

The new bridge and supporting roads are slated for a late fall 2012 opening, pending favourable weather and contractor progress.