Transportation Committee considers First Avenue Link design report
The Standing Policy Committee on Transportation is being asked to change the approved dedicated centre-running transit lanes on First Avenue from contraflow to operating with adjacent traffic flow. The approval report for the April 7, 2026, meeting considers a parking analysis, an examination of traffic flow and other technical requirements along with a discussion of public engagement to date. The proposed change aligns with the revisions made to the dedicated transit lanes design approved by Council in June of 2025 for the College Drive Link corridor.
“There are a lot of exciting developments for the Link project as we get ever closer to system launch in 2028,” says Dan Willems, Director of Technical Services. “Completing the functional design of the segment along First Avenue is another important milestone in operationalizing Saskatoon’s bus rapid transit system to move residents across the city more effectively, efficiently and economically.”
The adjacent traffic flow design matches driver, cyclist and pedestrian expectations, as well as aligns with the dedicated transit lanes previously approved by City Council for the College Drive Link corridor. A consistent approach to how the dedicated transit lanes will operate will also provide a level of safety and comfort for the bus operators and riders. While travel time for vehicles through the corridor during peak hours is expected to increase slightly, the First Avenue corridor and intersections will provide adequate levels of service for pedestrians and vehicles, and an improved level of service for transit users. The parking study further indicates adequate parking supply will remain. The design has undergone a Road Safety Audit (RSA) and additional safety audits will be completed throughout the design phase and after the corridor is constructed and in operation.
“We are less than two years away from Link rolling out,” says Willems. “While it seems like there is still a lot of heavy lifting to do, the team has been making exceptional progress over the last few years. Everyone is working hard to make the best system possible for Saskatoon while remaining mindful of budgetary restraints and working with stakeholders and the public whenever appropriate.”
An information report will be considered at the same meeting providing an update on the Link project to date. Both reports and the meeting agenda can be found on our website. For more information on the Link rapid transit project, please visit saskatoon.ca/link.