Traffic Bridge opens to vehicles this morning

Saskatoon's two new bridges are officially open.

Opening ceremonies were held at both the Traffic Bridge and the ChiefMistawasisBridge Tuesday.

"People have been waiting so long to get back across this bridge again," said Saskatoon Mayor Charlie Clark as he walked among the crowd on the Traffic Bridge."To reconnect the two side of the river on the oldest crossing that we have for traffic is very exciting."

It is estimated more than 20,000 vehicles per day willuse the Traffic Bridge within the first year of operation.

The Traffic Bridge opens to vehicles Wednesday while theChiefMistawasisBridge opens to traffic late Tuesday.

Festivities atChiefMistawasisBridge included a grand entry with local Indigenous leaders, dignitaries, elders, survivors and studentsand an opportunity for people to explore the bridge deck.

"The naming of ChiefMistawasisBridge provides a lasting legacy of hope and reconciliation for the community and a source of great pride for our children and generations to come," says Anthony BlairDreaverJohnston, University of Saskatchewan School of Environment and Sustainability Indigenous Mentor and great-great-great grandson of ChiefMistawasis.

Christopher Ochuschayoo and Connor Johnstonewere part of a group of young people that took part in a 120 kilometre sacred lance run from the First Nation the bridge is named after to the bridge.

"We sacrificed our bodies not only for ourselves but for everybody in the community," says Christopher of their trek that was a healing journey to ensure the bridge is a symbol of peace, friendship and reconciliation.

"It is kind of like sending messages, sending prayers," Christopher says."We sent prayers for everybody while we were running."

Saskatoon resident Cathy Baerg couldn't wait to come out and see theChiefMistawasisBridge Tuesday morning.

"Iwas really impressed that there is a lookout point and sidewalks that people can walk on," Baergsaid."We are going to have this fantastic view."

The two bridges and roadways cost about $250 million and were funded by three levels of government.