University Bridge closed after apparent encampment fire causes sewer leak

WATCH: University Bridge is shut down completely after a fire on Sunday night.

Saskatoon’s University Bridge has been temporarily shut down following a fire on Sunday night.

The fire, which was called in just before 10 p.m. Sunday, caused damage to a sewer line under the bridge and crews were on site Monday morning actively working on repairs.

“As a result of the fire, heat has melted the 400 mm sanitary sewer line under the bridge. This has led to a break in the sewer line and sewage is leaking onto the riverbank. The Water Security Agency has been notified,” the city said in a news release.

“Water and Wastewater crews are working to set up a bypass for the sewer line and doing modelling to ensure there is enough capacity so residents don’t experience sewer backups.”

The bridge structure itself is undamaged, according to the City of Saskatoon.

“City engineers have been on scene overnight, the bridge has been inspected and there are no structural concerns with the bridge,” the city said.

In a press conference Monday morning, the Saskatoon Fire Department said the fire originated from an apparent encampment under the bridge, and the situation remains under investigation.

Firefighters were still on scene before 9 a.m. monitoring and extinguishing hot spots in the hard to access and confined space.

Detours are currently in place around the bridge, and drivers are asked to re-route their commute. Pedestrians are also asked to avoid the bridge area while crews remain at the scene.

The city expects the bridge will remain closed to traffic most of the day, but the south side pedestrian walkway will be open and accessible.

The Meewasin trail underneath the bridge on the east side of the river will remain closed due to the sewage leak, the city says.

Transit routes are also being affected. Riders can check their apps for updates.

-More details to come