College Drive and Related Construction Projects
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.
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
University Bridge/College Drive closure now active
Full closure of the University Bridge and College Drive between Clarence Avenue and Hospital Drive to private vehicles began April 6.
During the closure:
- Emergency vehicle access to the hospital will be maintained throughout construction
- Saskatoon Transit will be accommodated via the eastbound lanes of University Bridge and College Drive to the intersection of Hospital Drive for approximately 3 weeks, but will be detoured for the remainder of the closure.
- Private vehicles that are not experiencing an emergency situation may be ticketed if they use the emergency access lanes
- Pedestrian access over the bridge will remain open on the south side of the bridge.
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: Full closure of University Bridge and College Drive to all traffic except emergency services. Hospital access will be maintained from the east via westbound College Drive. Stage 1A began the week of April 6 and will last about three weeks. Stage 1B will begin immediately after and last until the end of June, for an 8-10 week bridge closure.
- Stage II – Hospital Drive to Cumberland Avenue (north side construction): Single-lane traffic in each direction on College Drive. Wiggins Avenue access onto campus will be closed.
- Stage III – Hospital Drive to Cumberland Avenue (south side construction): Single-lane traffic in each direction on College Drive. Southbound Wiggins Avenue will be closed.
*These stages are expected to take approximately two to three months each to complete. Timing and staging are subject to change as work progresses.
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
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 currently in the process of being tendered, therefore detailed construction dates and schedules are not yet available. We hope to start as soon as possible with an approximate four-month duration to complete.
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 remain open to maintain emergency vehicle access. 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 begin April 16 and take approximately three months to complete.
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 will be put in place starting April 20, 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.