Saskatchewan has experienced a recent bridge collapse, as well as closures and restrictions to several provincial municipal bridges.  These events have prompted SARM and the Ministry of Highways and Infrastructure (MHI) to host a Bridge Summit this fall.

There are approximately 1,500 short span bridges that are the responsibility of rural municipalities (RMs) in Saskatchewan. The majority of these bridges are at or past the end of their design life and approximately 20% are currently closed or restricted. Due to the lack of available funds for bridge replacement and maintenance and the limited knowledge of the RM Councils, bridges are becoming a large issue in rural communities.

In an effort to help RMs effectively manage their bridge infrastructure, SARM and the Ministry of Highways and Infrastructure have partnered through the Municipal Roads for the Economy Program (MREP) to hold a “Bridge Summit” for the rural municipalities. While it is still in the planning phase, this Summit is intended to have multiple speakers present on a variety of topics related to management of bridge infrastructure.  It will also emphasize the vital role engineers play in this process.

ACEC-SK has committed to present to the delegates on the “Role and Value of Owner’s Engineers” at the Bridge Summit.  We understand that while the target audience is rural municipalities, urban municipalities will be extended an invitation as well.

If ACEC-SK members already work in this sector or are interested in this type of work in the future, please consider attending to lend your voice as an attendee in support of this critical message.

This day-long Bridge Summit will be held on November 12, 2019 at Evraz Place in Regina in conjunction with SARM’S upcoming Midterm Convention.  Watch for more details coming soon.

Sept 17, 2019