College Drive and Related Construction Projects
Update on University Bridge and College Drive
Traffic to and from the hospitals remains challenging. Drivers who do not need to travel on College Drive are encouraged to use alternate routes when possible to help keep access open for hospital patients, visitors and staff. The City recognizes these delays are frustrating. Weather-related setbacks, including snow into May, a wet June and summer rainfall, have added to the complexity of this project. The City, contractor and Saskatchewan Health Authority continue to work to reduce impacts where possible.
2026 Construction is now underway along College Drive and into Downtown. Several projects are being coordinated to help reduce overall impacts, including:
- Link system construction on College Drive between Clarence and Preston Avenue (completed in phases over two years)
- 25th Street water main lining from 1st Avenue to Spadina Crescent
University Bridge work, including arch repairs, refinishing the driving surface and drain inspections and repairs
This phased approach is designed to reduce overall impacts, but people travelling through the College Corridor – including those heading to hospitals, USask and nearby businesses – should expect delays and detours.
The City is working to keep people moving safely, maintain access for emergency responders at all times and minimize disruptions wherever possible. When complete, these improvements will support more reliable transit, safer active transportation and continued vehicle access along College Drive.
Find the latest Transit detours on the saskatoontransit.ca website.
See below for more project-specific information and what to expect during construction.
Project overviews and what to expect
Link Station Construction on College Drive
Link station construction will occur over two seasons and be completed in phases to reduce disruption as much as possible.
Phase I*
- Stage I – Clarence Avenue to University Drive: Complete except exit to Spadina Crescent from University Bridge is still closed.
Stage II – Hospital Drive to Cumberland Avenue (north side construction): Single-lane traffic in each direction on College Drive. Wiggins Avenue access onto campus is now open on a right-turn in, right-turn out basis.
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- Stage III – Hospital Drive to Cumberland Avenue (south side construction): Single-lane traffic in each direction on College Drive. Southbound Wiggins Avenue is now closed.
Timing and staging are subject to change as work progresses, with weather and unforeseen circumstances potentially impacting timing.
Phase II*
Scheduled for 2027, this phase will include construction along College Drive from Cumberland Avenue to Preston Street. More details will be shared closer to construction start.
*Timing and staging subject to change as work progresses.
Click here for more information about the Link project
Please email link@saskatoon.ca if you have questions about Link Station Construction along College Drive.
25th Street Water Main Lining
25th Street Water Main Lining
It's important to note that 25th Street will remain open, with one lane of traffic maintained in each direction where possible, with delays expected throughout the duration of the project.
Phase I (2026)
Water main rehabilitation along 25th Street from 1st Avenue N to Spadina Crescent E and water main replacement on 4th Avenue N from 24th Street E to 25th Street E. These sections of roadway will be repaved following construction.
This project is being completed in four stages:
- Stage 1: Temporary water construction work started the week of June 15 and is complete.
- Stage 2: Replacing the water main on 4th Avenue from 24th Street to 25th Street began the week of June 29. This work closed the intersection of 4th Avenue and 24th street for approximately three weeks.
- Stage 3: Installing a new storm sewer on 4th Avenue from 24th Street to 25th Street began the week of July 13 and is complete.
- Stage 4: 25th Street water main rehabilitation work began inJuly and is ongoing. Work is expected to be continue through fall 2026.
Phase II (2027)*
Construction along 24th Street E from 3rd Avenue N to Spadina Crescent. Construction timing and duration will be confirmed closer to the start of work in 2027.
*Timing and staging subject to change as work progresses.
Please contact our Customer Care Centre if you have questions about the 25th Street Water Main Lining Project at 306-975-2476.
University Bridge Arch Repair
The primary focus of this project is concrete repairs to Arch D, located over the river near Spadina Crescent. Deteriorated concrete will be removed in defined sequences and replaced.
During this phase, no live traffic can be permitted above the arches. However, two lanes on the opposite side of the bridge will be open to traffic. Additional work will also take place during this closure, including refinishing the concrete driving surface, repairing drains on other arches and applying an epoxy crack sealer.
Construction is expected to be completed mid- to late-September.
Meewasin Trail access during construction
The Meewasin Trail multi-use pathway running under the University Bridge on the east side of the river will remain open during construction. To safely accommodate construction equipment, temporary adjustments have been put in place, including a narrowed pathway, protective concrete barriers between pedestrians and vehicle traffic, a temporary concrete ramp to maintain accessible access, and the installation of additional signage. The City will regularly inspect these measures to ensure safe, accessible use is maintained throughout the project.
Please contact our Customer Care Centre if you have questions about the University Bridge Arch Repair Project at 306-975-2476.