MAINTENANCE BEGINS ON MORE THAN 400 KM OF BACK LANES

Saskatoon’s network of more than 400 kilometres of gravel back lanes will soon be improved.  City crews will begin back lane maintenance on June 22, two weeks earlier than in 2014. The work will be done by neighbourhood in each of Wards 1 through 8, beginning in the North Industrial area of Ward 5. This, after inspectors examined the lanes and rated them one-by-one.

“The annual back lane rehabilitation program serves to repair ruts and potholes, level off low areas and provide preventative maintenance in our back lanes,” says Pat Hyde, Director of Public Works. “This work improves drainage, restores the condition of the back lane, and provides better access for residents and service vehicles.”

Over time, gravel back lanes may deteriorate due to extreme weather changes, regular vehicle traffic, drainage from private properties, overgrown vegetation, and from large equipment using them.

Residents are asked to remove all obstructions and debris from the edges or “right-of-way” in back lanes.  This will give enough room for large equipment, prevent damage to private property, and help keep residents and City crews safe. As well, residents with back lane bin collections are reminded to always return garbage and recycling carts to their property after they’ve been emptied.

Please note: if collection and back lane maintenance happen the same day, residents are asked to place carts as usual. Work crews will move them as required.

As part of the back lane maintenance program, the City will also trim overhanging trees and vegetation along the property line. The crews will then grade and pack the gravel, to restore the lane’s shape for proper drainage, and to prevent future damage.

“Trees and bushes contribute to our quality of life in many ways, including a welcome shelter from the hot sun for people and pets through the summer,” says Hyde.  “However, the shade overgrown trees create causes a challenge for us because it prevents the gravel in back lanes from drying. This contributes to the formation of ruts and the overall deterioration of the back lane.”

Approximately 24 kilometres of gravel back lanes, representing 136 locations, will be reconstructed as part of a $1.3M capital rehabilitation program.  Reconstruction requires full closure of these lanes and may include replacing mud with new gravel, removing dirt and re-establishing the grade to restore the lane to standard. Residents affected by reconstruction will receive orange and black notices delivered to their front door with more information.

While crews are working in your back lane, access to lanes may be restricted and all vehicles must be moved. For their safety, children and pets must stay at least 15 metres away from equipment.

A schedule for back lane maintenance and reconstruction will be posted to saskatoon.ca/backlanes early next week. Rain may cause delays to the program and the schedule may fluctuate as a result.

For more information, visit saskatoon.ca/backlanes or contact Public Works Customer Service at public.works@saskatoon.ca or 306-975-2476.

Know before you go! Find traffic detour information at saskatoon.ca/service-alerts, on the City’s interactive construction map at saskatoon.ca/constructionmap or by subscribing to the City’s Daily Road Report. You can also follow us on Twitter @YXEServiceAlert and with #betterroadsYXE.

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