Traffic Studies

The North Saskatoon Network Planning Study will assist with planning transportation network needs on the major roads in the study area. The fundamental question considered in the study is how intersections connecting to the provincial highway system are configured: as grade-separated interchanges or at-grade intersections.

A summary of the information prepared to date includes:

• Study goals;
• Transportation network options;
• Evaluation criteria; and
• Draft future transportation network.

The final report will be presented to the Standing Policy Committee on Transportation in 2020.

The City of Saskatoon is working with CIMA Canada Inc. to complete a long-term plan for Circle Drive West between Clancy Drive and Laurier Drive. 

Background

The following goals were presented at the Circle Drive West Open House on June 19, 2019:

1. Achieve free-flow traffic by removing the traffic signals and left-hand exits and entries;
2. Retain current turning options and access at Clancy Drive and Laurier Drive;
3. Improve the function of the Circle Drive interchange at 22^nd Street West;
4. And improve the function of the intersection of 22^nd Street and Confederation Drive.

An additional Open House was held on January 22, 2020 to present the preferred plan and gather feedback.

More information is provided on the project Engage Page.

A Functional Planning Study for the Highway 11 and Highway 16 Interchange was completed to determine what improvements can be made to improve the safety and function of the interchange.

Background

The junction of Highways 11 and 16 in southeast Saskatoon is currently operating as a 1960’s era cloverleaf interchange. Both highways are considered national and provincial primary routes and any future interchange will require a system-level interchange function and need to be flexible for conversion to an urban service-level interchange in the future.

The Stonebridge partial interchange opened in the fall of 2016 and has facilitated additional traffic through the cloverleaf interchange.

Scope of Functional Planning Study

The objectives of the functional planning study were to:

• Improve overall traffic operations at this junction
• Reduce collisions (improve safety)
• Add capacity for critical movements
• Facilitate good interconnections between the two provincial highways
• Minimize environmental impacts
• Minimize right-of-way acquisition and impacts
• Optimize costs and benefits

The study included connecting roads, the interchange, and the nearest upstream and/or downstream interchanges or intersections in the analysis (no significant changes were considered at Preston Avenue, Taylor Street, Boychuk Drive and Vic Boulevard).  

Click here for the Functional Planning Study.

Central Avenue and Attridge Drive are classified as major arterials and are expected to carry 10,000 to 30,000 vehicles per day. The most recent traffic counts on Attridge Drive showed an Average Daily Traffic (ADT) of 30,000 vehicles per day. Central Avenue had an ADT of 15,000 vehicles per day.

Regular monitoring and traffic studies have determined the intersection of Central Avenue and Attridge Drive experiences lengthy delays during daily peak hours. Those living in surrounding neighbourhoods use this intersection as access core areas of the city such as downtown. As development in the area continues, traffic pressures are expected to increase. 

The development of the North Commuter Parkway, will help alleviate some congestion in this area. However, a functional plan was developed to assess the operational needs of the intersection and includes a number of suggested improvements that will promote improved traffic flows. Highlights include: 

• No interchange, intersection modifications only.
• Construction of a southbound right-turn bay from Central Avenue to Attridge Drive.
• Construction of a new westbound lane on Attridge Drive from Central Avenue to the Circle Drive North on-ramp.
• Eastbound and westbound left-turns from Attridge Drive onto Central Avenue will operate on signal arrow only (i.e. fully-protected).
• Construction of a second eastbound left-turn bay from Attridge Drive onto Central Avenue, as well as left-turn bay lengthening to provide more storage.
• Move the Circle Drive North off-ramp (to Attridge Drive eastbound) to increase the distance from the off-ramp to Central Avenue and address merging and weaving issues.
• Change traffic signal timing to reduce delays (pending shifted traffic patterns after opening the Chief Mistawasis Bridge).

Pending funding, most changes may be phased-in.  Other changes, such as major modifications to signal operations to reduce delays, have been completed since the opening of the Chief Mistawasis Bridge.

Considering future traffic demands along Preston Avenue between 14th Street and Circle Drive, a comprehensive review has been conducted. During the consultation and review process, the City was able to identify current and future operations of the roadway and needs and priorities. As a result of this review, the Transportation Division has developed a number of modifications and improvements to the Preston Avenue Corridor.

As part of the review process, all the intersections along the Preston Avenue corridor were reviewed and analyzed using current data, including traffic and pedestrian volumes as well as collision statistics and specific recommendations and countermeasures were identified.​

The Southwest Transportation Study (formerly 11^th Street Corridor Study) was initiated to identify concerns and examine opportunities to improve safety and efficiency of motorists, pedestrians and cyclists in the southwest area of the City. The increase in traffic since Circle Drive South opened and the incessant traffic and safety concerns in the neighbourhoods support the need for a comprehensive study of the Southwest area of the City.

The study includes a long term plan for the desirable connection between the west sector and the downtown (identified in the West Industrial Concept Plan, approved by City Council on May 20, 2008). 

Imagine Idylwyld is a City of Saskatoon planning, transportation and design initiative for Idylwyld Drive. The purpose of Imagine Idylwyld is to develop a vision and conceptual plan to improve the function, safety, connectivity and quality of the roadway and public realm along Idylwyld Drive, between 20th Street and 25th Street East.

Idylwyld Drive is, and will continue to be, a major north-south arterial corridor in Saskatoon and a key gateway into the City Centre for motorized vehicles. However, its current configuration poses a challenging environment for pedestrians to navigate and divides surrounding neighbourhoods and districts. Improvements to Idylwyld Drive will help link the neighbourhoods and the business districts making it easier for people to get around the City Centre and help define the street as a gateway by cultivating a sense of arrival.

The Final Concept Design Report was received for information at City Council's Special Standing Policy Committee on Transportation meeting held on June 11, 2018. The Council report, agenda, and minutes are available here. 

Click here for more information on the Imagine Idylwyld project.