110-year-old bridge permanently closed to vehicular traffic

The historic Coteau Street East bridge has been closed permanently to vehicular traffic by the City of Moose Jaw.

A condition assessment was recently conducted by the city through a structural engineering consultant. According to the city, evaluations that were completed this year show that the bridge has deteriorated to the point that it poses a risk to vehicular traffic.

Concrete barriers have been put in place to block vehicular traffic from crossing the bridge. Pedestrians can still access the bridge at this time.

The historic bridge has been a topic of discussion since as far back as 2009.

A report brought forward in 2017 recommended that the bridge be demolished and was slated for demolition in 2021. After public outcry including a petition signed by 255 people, another detailed engineering report was done in 2022 that showed the bridge could continue with vehicular and pedestrian traffic with a four-tonne load for about five years with regular inspections.

The bridge goes over Canadian National Railway tracks. CN has agreed to share the cost of demolishing the bridge but has indicated to the city that they have no interest in sharing the cost of refurbishing or upgrading the bridge.