Motorists can expect more delays in Saskatoon as crews will soon begin another maintenance project.

Repairs on Idylwyld Drive over the 19th Street overpass are set to begin on Sept. 14.

Motorists can expect alternating closures of Idylwyld Drive northbound and southbound over 19th street as well as closures of the First Avenue northbound ramp.

The city says the work is necessary to repair deteriorated concrete and to restore deck joint seals.

“A temporary structure will support the bridge while concrete is removed and replaced,” said Rob Frank, the city’s manager of asset preservation. “This work will ensure the continued use of the overpass well into the future.”

Repairs will be done in two phases – the first will see concrete repairs for two to three weeks and 24-hour lane restrictions. During phase two lanes will be closed on Idylwyld Drive over 19th Street. The southbound outside lane will be closed as well as the outside lane on First Avenue under Idylwyld Drive.

During the second phase work will be done in the evenings as crews replace joint seals on the overpass. Closures of lanes on Idylwyld Drive over 19th Street and the northbound ramp on First Avenue will alternate.

Access to the Sid Buckwold Bridge will be maintained throughout the duration of the work.

“We don’t anticipate that the restrictions are going to have a huge impact on traffic,” Frank said in a news conference Wednesday.

The city says the project was scheduled for next year, but because the University Bridge construction was complete early, it’s going ahead this construction season.

The entire project is expected to take about five weeks depending on weather.