Long awaited Pedestrian Railway crossing connects River Heights and North Industrial neighbourhoods

The City of Saskatoon has bridged another divide, building a pedestrian crossing at the CN Railway tracks between Assiniboine Drive and 43rd Street East. The new pathway will officially open on May 18 2026 following the announcement by CN Rail that they will be ceasing the use of airhorns in that area that day.

The completion of the railway crossing, just off Warman Road, provides a safe and legal connection across the tracks. It is now easier for people walking, riding their bikes, or using other types of active transportation to move between neighbourhoods east of the tracks and the commercial areas on the west side.

“Until now, there weren’t any safe or legal routes for pedestrians to cross the railway tracks for a three and a half kilometre stretch between 33rd Street and 51st Street,” says Jay Magus, Director of Transportation. “The new crossing provides another transportation option.”

The pedestrian rail crossing is the first of its kind in Saskatoon. It functions like a typical roadway rail crossing with light signals and gate arms to block the path when a train is approaching, keeping pathway users safe.

For people living and working in nearby communities, it means another option for getting around.

"This crossing will provide my residents with access to shops, restaurants and businesses in the north commercial district, which is something they have been asking for,” says Randy Donauer, Ward 5 Councillor. “I'm very pleased to see this pedestrian rail crossing open and I'd like to thank our Administration and CN for making it happen."

The City aims to establish a safe and convenient network of active transportation infrastructure throughout Saskatoon. Building a connection point between Assiniboine Drive and 43rd Street supports those goals by allowing different modes of transportation better access to future active transportation corridors in the north industrial area.

For more information on accessibility and pedestrian projects in Saskatoon, visit saskatoon.ca/moving-around.