Construction season in final stretch: update, remaining projects
As we near the end of the 2026 construction season, the City is making strong progress on several key projects and remains focused on completing as many projects as possible before freeze-up.
“We know all the traffic restrictions have been a pain for everyone,” says Matt Jurkiewicz, Director of Construction and Design. “And while there are a number of projects still underway, we’ve been able to get many key projects completed so traffic can keep moving despite what’s been a very busy construction season.”
Jurkiewicz says those include several initiatives that are now complete, with normal traffic operations back in place.
Overnight paving jobs to minimize traffic impacts:
Overnight paving has been completed on portions of Circle Drive, Attridge Drive, McOrmond Drive and Avenue C North.
Complete Link platform stations:
8th Street eastbound at Clarence Avenue;
8th Street eastbound and westbound at Cumberland Avenue;
Preston Avenue eastbound at Preston Crossing;
Preston Avenue southbound at 14th Street;
Preston Avenue northbound at Arlington Avenue/Wilson Crescent;
Preston Avenue northbound at Louise Street; and
Preston Avenue southbound at Field House Road.
Acadia Reservoir – critical primary water main work, Acadia Avenue complete:
Primary water main work at the Acadia Reservoir is complete and is a key step in maintaining the water system to meet long-term community needs.
There are several major projects that are ongoing.
Biosolids Pipeline Corridor Project:
Installation of new water and sewer infrastructure remains underway in the Marquis Industrial area, along the Meewasin Valley Trail north of Silverwood Heights. Wanuskewin Road is expected to be closed until the end of October as the work between Arthur Rose Avenue and Highway 11 continues.
College Drive, University Bridge and Downtown infrastructure:
Link system construction on College Drive between Hospital Drive/University Drive and Cumberland Avenue continues; University bridge to Clarence Avenue and the Clarence Avenue/College Drive intersection are open, turning movements in and out of Hospital Drive have been improved. There will be temporary curb lane closures on the bridge at times this week to complete bridge work.
Drivers that do not need to travel to the hospitals are encouraged to keep using alternate routes.
25th Street water main project:
Water main lining and resurfacing on 25th Street between Spadina Crescent and 1st Avenue continues, with several different closures impacting traffic:
- 1st Avenue: Open with a median closure in place
- 2nd Avenue: Intersection closed for approximately two and a half weeks
- 3rd Avenue: Open with a median closure in place
- 4th Avenue: Intersection closed for approximately two weeks.
- 4th Avenue at 24th Street has been reopened
- 5th Avenue: Open with a median closure in place
- 6th Avenue: Open with a median closure in place
- Spadina Crescent: Open with a median closure in place
Neighbourhood water main projects:
Riversdale, Blairmore, North Park, Richmond Heights Caswell Hill, Buena Vista, and Nutana.
These projects renew aging infrastructure, replacing lead service lines and help maintain a dependable water supply.
Dufferin Avenue and 12th Street East:
One of those infrastructure projects is in its final stages and will cause an additional traffic restriction on 12th Street East until freeze-up.
The intersection of Dufferin Avenue and 12th Street East will be closed beginning Wednesday, September 23, for approximately six weeks, weather permitting and subject to unforeseen circumstances. The intersection work had to be delayed until the intersection of College Drive and Clarence Avenue was reopened to traffic to provide an alternate route.
Crews will begin sanitary sewer installation as part of the Nutana Sanitary Sewer Project, a critical project for this year.
“This job can’t be put off until next year,” says Russ Munro, Director of Saskatoon Water.
“The new line is replacing the need for the Lansdowne Lift Station. A gravity flow pipe is being installed to replace the aging sewage pump and lift station. This increases reliability for sewer service in the area as this lift station has reached the end of its useful life.
“We understand all the detours are frustrating, especially on this route that people have been using to avoid the College Drive construction. The good news is, we’re nearing the end of this season’s work,” Munro says.
A local detour on 11th Street East and Lansdowne Avenue will be in place during the closure, with signs guiding drivers around the work area.
However, to help improve traffic flow and reduce congestion on the detoured route, commuters are encouraged to use caution when travelling near the construction zone and consider taking alternative routes such as 8th Street and Clarence Avenue.
Circle Drive Southbound near 108th Street
Finally, the City is working with its contractor to minimize speed reductions through the work zone on Circle Drive southbound in the area of Attridge and 108th Street for another water and sewer project adjacent to the roadway.
For current road restrictions and construction updates, visit saskatoon.ca/construction.