"University Bridge" by Brandon Giesbrecht is licensed under CC BY 2.0.

A small fire under the westmost archway on the University Bridge has prompted the closure of the bridge’s westbound lanes.

The Saskatoon Fire Department was called in around 3:41 p.m. on Sunday. Firefighters say there was light smoke coming from underneath the bridge and a small fire was burning in the archway on the west side of the bridge. The City, no stranger to the issue of fires wreaking havoc on water lines, says heat from the fire melted a sanitary sewer line located beneath the bridge.

Crews worked through the night to repair damage to a melted sewer line, and work is ongoing.

The fire has since been completely extinguished, and a fire investigator is on scene to conduct an examination to identify the cause, origin and damage estimate.

The City says two-way traffic is operating in the eastbound lanes and drivers are asked to avoid the area if possible or expect major delays.