Diefenbaker Bridge
{{Short description|Bridge in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan, Canada}}
{{Infobox Bridge
|bridge_name = Diefenbaker Bridge
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|official_name = Diefenbaker Bridge
|crosses = North Saskatchewan River
|locale = Prince Albert, Saskatchewan, Canada
|maint = City of Prince Albert
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|complete = 1960
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|coordinates = {{coord|53|12|17|N|105|45|49|W}}
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The Diefenbaker Bridge is a Canadian bridge that spans the North Saskatchewan River in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan. It is currently{{Cite web |last=Lozinski |first=Peter |date=2020-09-30 |title=NDP promise new bridge and new hospital for Prince Albert |url=https://paherald.sk.ca/ndp-promise-new-bridge-and-new-hospital-for-prince-albert/ |access-date=2022-12-18 |website=Prince Albert Daily Herald |language=en-GB}} the only vehicle crossing of the river in Prince Albert and within 120 km in either direction.{{Cite web |title=Saskatoon News {{!}} Local Breaking {{!}} CTV News Saskatoon |url=https://saskatoon.ctvnews.ca/premier-wall-reopens-talk-of-second-bridge-for-prince-albert-1.1954730/comments-7.545851 |access-date=2022-12-18 |website=saskatoon.ctvnews.ca}} The bridge carries Saskatchewan Highways 2 and 3, as well as two sidewalks: with the upstream side connecting to River Street, and the downstream side continuing through to 12 Street W and up 2 Avenue W.
Overview
The bridge is maintained by the city of Prince Albert under an agreement, established in 1958, where the province of Saskatchewan covers 50% of the structural repair costs.[http://www.gov.sk.ca/news?newsId=5d579568-b997-408c-8501-6abc7859a246 Provincial Government Press Release] Prior to the bridge opening in 1960 vehicle traffic used the nearby Canadian Northern Railway Bridge.
History
In 2011, one of the bridge's girders fractured, resulting in the southbound lanes being closed; and concerns being raised about the lack of additional crossings and dangerous goods crossing the bridge and traversing the city.{{Cite web |title=Saskatoon News {{!}} Local Breaking {{!}} CTV News Saskatoon |url=https://saskatoon.ctvnews.ca/premier-wall-reopens-talk-of-second-bridge-for-prince-albert-1.1954730/comments-7.545851 |access-date=2022-12-18 |website=saskatoon.ctvnews.ca}}