2023 road, bridge and water main construction projects draw to a close
Installing new water mains Downtown and extending the lifespan of the Circle Drive North Bridge were just some of the major priorities for the City of Saskatoon (City) during the 2023 construction season. Overall, more than 200 lane kilometers of roadways were improved, which, when put into perspective, is the approximate driving distance between Saskatoon and Kindersley.
“That number includes roads repaved following water main replacements in neighbourhoods like Downtown, River Heights, Varsity View and on 33rd Street West,” says Terry Schmidt, General Manager of Transportation and Construction. “Wherever we install new water mains, we improve the roadway and address any sidewalk issues.”
City Council invested approximately $67.19 million in 2023 for road construction and maintenance including initiatives like pothole patching, line marking and street sweeping. High traffic roads resurfaced include:
- Circle Drive North westbound between Millar Avenue and Alberta Avenue
- Wanuskewin Road from 71st Street to Penner Road
- Idylwyld Drive southbound from 60th Street to 51st Street
- Sections of Preston Avenue between Preston Crossing and College Drive
“The highest profile construction project was the months-long Circle Drive North Bridge rehabilitation that included asphalt and barrier replacements, drainage improvements, and concrete repairs to the bridge deck, piers and abutments. We thank everyone for their patience as we worked to make sure the structure lasts for decades to come,” says Schmidt.
Since 2014, when the City began investing millions of dollars more into roads, more than 2,100 lane kilometers of roadway have been rehabilitated, which is the approximate driving distance between Saskatoon and Chicago, Illinois.
To see where construction is happening daily, check the Daily Road Report. For information about future construction and other related topics, visit saskatoon.ca/construction.