Work to install a temporary bypass of stormwater services on the east side of the Albert Street Memorial Bridge in Wascana Park is set to begin at 9:00 a.m. on Thursday.

Traffic, pedestrians and cycling will be impacted in the area as crews start to work near the Speaker’s Corner in Wascana Park.

Traffic and pedestrian sidewalk access will be restricted northbound on the Albert Street Memorial Bridge for one week. Two-way traffic and pedestrian access will be maintained in the southbound lanes.

Also restricted will be the pedestrian walking path in Wascana Park at various times throughout construction activities and during significant rainfall events to ensure safety.

The stairwell and under-bridge path for pedestrians and cycling will be closed on both sides of the Albert Street Memorial Bridge for the duration of the temporary pumping solution.

The construction comes after recent storms caused a sinkhole in a residential backyard. The sinkhole was caused by the collapse stormwater pipe in early June.

Kurtis Doney, the acting director of citizen services with the City of Regina, said they had secured the sinkhole site but now must create a temporary bypass for stormwater.

“The temporary site will pump the stormwater from the underground pipe into Wascana Lake,” he said. “This bypass will be significant. It will include nine large pumps that will be activated during rainstorm events and ensure that rainwater gets to Wascana Creek.”

The temporary pump will run until the end of the year, with the City beginning work on a permanent solution once construction is complete at the temporary site.

“We are asking residents to follow signs in the area and to avoid the northwest corner if possible,” Doney added. “Signage will be placed on the main pathway, redirecting pedestrians, cyclists, and others using the pathway.”