City Investing $59 Million for Building Better Roads in 2016
Since announcing the “Building Better Roads” road rehabilitation plan in 2013, the City has improved more than 420 kilometers of roadway – about the distance between Saskatoon and Medicine Hat. This summer, another 212 kilometers will be improved, including Broadway Avenue, Circle Drive from the Idylwyld Drive overpass to 33rd Street, and College Drive between Preston Avenue and Central Avenue.
“We’ve made incredible progress over the past two years,” says General Manager of Transportation & Utilities, Jeff Jorgenson. “We are on pace to exceed our initial three-year projection of 432 kilometres by 44 percent as a result of improvements to various strategic processes.”
The City’s Building Better Roads plan is aimed at repair, but also improving traffic flow in order to reduce congestion. Traffic flow improvements will be made at some key intersections, including Highway 16 at 71st Street, 22nd Street at Diefenbaker Drive, and Warman Road at 51st Street. As for major projects, construction of the interchanges at McOrmond Drive and College Drive and at Boychuk Drive and Highway 16 will begin; the Idylwyld Drive overpass over Ruth Street will be reconstructed; and work continues on the Bridging to Tomorrow project, which includes the North Commuter Parkway Bridge and the new Traffic Bridge.
“Improving current road conditions and traffic flow is a significant portion of this construction season,” says Jorgenson. “Residents will also see further development in newer neighbourhoods, park development in seven neighbourhoods, new sound attenuation walls, new pathways, and sidewalk preservation.”
Thirty-eight kilometers of sanitary sewer and water main infrastructure will continue, and the City will complete nearly 500 water and sewer connection replacements. The work on Broadway Avenue alone includes 1,380 metres of water main rehabilitation and replacement of 60 lead connections.
In 2016, nearly $59 million will be spent on street sweeping, pothole patching, sidewalk rehabilitation, back lane upgrades, road construction and repair, and snow and ice management in Saskatoon. This is $6 million more than last year, and 57 percent more than in 2013 ($37.3 million).
For more information on roadway construction, street sweeping, and to access the Report a Pothole Map visit saskatoon.ca/betterroads. The full list of road preservation and rehab projects broken down by City wards can be accessed at saskatoon.ca/roadpreservation.