News Releases

For Immediate Release: July 8, 2014
 

CLAYPOOL DRIVE WESTBOUND FROM MCCLOCKLIN ROAD TO HAMPTON GATE NORTH, JULY 9 – 31

Beginning at 7:00 a.m. on Wednesday, July 9, Claypool Drive westbound between McClocklin Road and Hampton Gate North will be closed as work continues on twinning Claypool Drive.  There will be no access to Hampton Gate North from Claypool Drive westbound while the work is taking place. The eastbound lane will remain open.  Westbound traffic on Claypool Drive will be detoured down McClocklin Road.

The work is expected to take three weeks, weather permitting and barring any unforeseen circumstances.

Slow down, pay attention and respect work zones. Watch for pedestrians and work crews, and for everyone’s safety, please obey all detours, signs and barriers.

Know before you go! Plan your route around road work by checking our Road Restrictions and Construction Projects interactive map, find traffic detour information on our saskatoon.ca homepage or subscribe to our Traffic Detour Service Alerts. You can also follow us on Twitter @cityofsaskatoon and with #betterroadsYXE and like Saskatoon City News on Facebook.

Recent emergencies in southern Saskatchewan and Manitoba remind us that disasters do happen. The City of Saskatoon has done extensive planning to develop and practice the protocols and working relationships that will enable us to effectively respond to a disaster. Even with the infrastructure in place, a critical piece of any disaster response and recovery is the delivery of important information to the public in a timely manner. notifynow is one of the tools we have in place to promptly reach the citizens of Saskatoon individually.

Saskatoon’s Emergency Measures Organization will use notifynow to inform citizens about what to do in an emergency that affects their residence and provide them with relevant information when we start working towards recovering and returning to our normal lifestyles. For example, we might need to let you know that your home has sustained damage even when you are away on holiday, let you know if, or when additional landfill space will be open so that you can begin to clean up, or provide you with information about how to access disaster assistance programs.

“No matter how well prepared a community is, disasters are defined as events that overwhelm our capacity to respond normally,” says Director of Emergency Planning, Ray Unrau. “We are asking everyone to sign up for notifynow so in an emergency, we can contact you, before, during or after the disaster, with important information that will help you personally make the best choices you can.”

Citizens wanting to receive important messages from Saskatoon’s Emergency Measures Organization must first sign up. To do that, visit saskatoon.ca, search under “N” for notifynow and follow the links to sign up, read the frequently asked questions or watch an instructional video on the process.

For Immediate Release: July 7, 2014

OVERNIGHT RESTRICTIONS CIRCLE DRIVE FROM COLLEGE DRIVE TO CIRCLE DRIVE NORTH BRIDGE, JULY 7-10

Beginning at 6:30 p.m. on Monday, July 7, Circle Drive northbound median (inside) lane will be closed from College Drive to Circle Drive North Bridge while crews apply permanent road markings.

The work is expected to last 3 to 4 nights. To minimize disruption to traffic the work will be done overnight from 6:30 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.

OVERNIGHT RESTRICTIONS FOR BRIDGE DECK TESTING, JULY 8 – 10

In order to ensure the integrity and continued safety of overpass structures around the city, crews will be conducting the annual bridge and deck testing program starting on Tuesday, July 8. 

To minimize disruption to traffic, the deck testing will take place overnight with all restrictions lifted by 7:00 a.m. the following morning.

The schedule for this work is as follows:

Tuesday, July 8

108th Street over Circle Drive Overpass

· 7:00 p.m. - bridge will be closed in both directions

Wednesday, July 9

Idylwyld Drive Over 19th Street to 1st Avenue Northbound Ramp

·     7:00 p.m. - ramp will be closed and traffic will be detoured to Idylwyld Drive over 19th Street 

Thursday, July 10

Idylwyld Drive over the 11th Street Pedestrian Underpass

·     7:00 p.m. - northbound traffic will be maintained in one lane 

·     9:00 p.m. - sorthbound traffic will be maintained in one lane 

Spadina Crescent Bridge (near the Mendel Art Gallery)

·     11:30 p.m. – bridge will be closed in both directions

The City thanks everyone for their patience.

All restrictions will be lifted as indicated, weather permitting and barring any unforeseen circumstances.

Slow down, pay attention and respect work zones. Watch for pedestrians and work crews, and for everyone’s safety, please obey all detours, signs and barriers.

Know before you go! Plan your route around road work by checking our Road Restrictions and Construction Projects interactive map, find traffic detour information on our saskatoon.ca homepage or subscribe to our Traffic Detour Service Alerts. You can also follow us on Twitter @cityofsaskatoon and with #betterroadsYXE and like Saskatoon City News on Facebook.

For Release: July 4, 2014

SPADINA CRESCENT FROM 20TH STREET TO 3RD AVENUE, JULY 5-6

Starting at 7:00 p.m. on Saturday, July 5, Spadina Crescent will be closed from 20th Street to 3rd Avenue to accommodate the annual Pets in the Park event. 

The road is expected to reopen by 6:00 p.m. on Sunday, July 6.

MILLAR AVENUE NORTHBOUND BETWEEN CIRCLE DRIVE & 43RD STREET, JULY 6

Starting at 7:00 a.m. on Sunday, July 6, Millar Avenue northbound curb (outside) lane will be closed between Circle Drive and 43rd Street while crews work on a light pole.

The road is expected to reopen by 10:00 a.m. the same day.

VARIOUS RESTRICTIONS FOR CYCLING EVENT, JULY 6

Beginning at 10:00 a.m. on Sunday, July 6, the following restrictions will be in place to accommodate the Prairie Grand Fondo cycling event.

- Valley Road northbound curb (outside) lane approaching Circle Drive will be closed
- Valley Road northbound ramp to Circle Drive eastbound will be closed
- Circle Drive eastbound curb (outside) lane from Valley Road to Lorne Avenue will be closed
- Circle Drive eastbound ramp to Lorne Avenue will be closed

The restrictions are expected to be lifted by 3:00 p.m. the same day.

OVERNIGHT RESTRICTIONS COLLEGE DRIVE, CIRCLE DRIVE & CENTRAL AVENUE, JULY 6

Beginning at 7:00 p.m. on Sunday, July 6, the following restrictions will be in place while crews apply durable road markings.

- College Drive westbound curb (outside) and center lanes from Central Avenue to Circle Drive will be closed
- Central Avenue southbound right turn lane to College Drive westbound will be closed
- College Drive westbound ramp to Circle Drive northbound will be closed

To minimize disruption to traffic, the work will take place overnight, with the roads due to reopen by 7:00 a.m. on Monday, July 7.

REMINDER: OVERNIGHT RESTRICTIONS 51ST STREET BETWEEN FAITHFULL AVENUE & MILLAR AVENUE, JULY 5-6

Beginning at 6:45 p.m. on Saturday, July 5, the following restrictions will be in place on 51st Street while crews continue to pave the road.

Saturday, July 5

- 51st Street westbound median (inside) and center lane from Millar Avenue to Faithfull Avenue will be closed

Sunday, July 6

- 51st Street westbound median (inside) and center lane from Miners Avenue to Faithfull Avenue will be closed

To minimize disruption to traffic, the work will take place overnight from 6:45 p.m. to 7:00 a.m.

All restrictions will be lifted as indicate, weather permitting and barring any unforeseen circumstances.

Slow down, pay attention and respect work zones. Watch for pedestrians and work crews, and for everyone’s safety, please obey all detours, signs and barriers.

Know before you go! Plan your route around road work by checking our Road Restrictions and Construction Projects interactive map, find traffic detour information on our saskatoon.ca homepage or subscribe to our Traffic Detour Service Alerts. You can also follow us on Twitter @cityofsaskatoon and with #betterroadsYXE and like Saskatoon City News on Facebook.

For Immediate Release: July 3, 2014

8TH STREET & CLARENCE AVENUE INTERSECTION, JULY 4-5 

Beginning at 8:00 a.m. on Friday, July 4, the following restrictions will be in place at the intersection of 8th Street and Clarence Avenue while crews repair a water main:

- 8th Street eastbound curb (outside) lane will be closed approaching Clarence Avenue
- 8th Street westbound left turn bay to 8th Street eastbound will be closed
- Clarence Avenue southbound will be closed from 7th Street to 8th Street (no southbound through traffic)
- Clarence Avenue northbound  median (inside) lane will be closed approaching 8th Street

The work is expected to last 2 days.

24TH STREET BETWEEN 3RD AVENUE & 5TH AVENUE, JULY 4-6

Beginning at 7:00 a.m. on Friday, July 4, 24th Street will be closed between 3rd Avenue and 5th Avenue while crews pave the road. The 4th Avenue intersection will remain open.

The work is expected to take 2 to 3 days.

All restrictions will be lifted as indicated, weather permitting and barring any unforeseen circumstances.

Slow down, pay attention and respect work zones. Watch for pedestrians and work crews, and for everyone’s safety, please obey all detours, signs and barriers.

Know before you go! Find traffic detour information on our website at www.saskatoon.ca/go/traffic. You can also follow us on Twitter @cityofsaskatoon and with #betterroadsYXE and like Saskatoon City News on Facebook.

The Saskatoon Fire Department has noted a significant increase in the number of outside fires that were started by improperly disposing of smoking materials. There were 23 fires in the last 18 months attributed to this.

In 2013, 16 fires were caused by improperly disposing smoking materials such as cigarettes and cigars. The damage totaled more than $4 million. This year, seven fires were started by improper disposal of smoking materials. The average estimated damage was more than $100,000.

With changing social norms, it is now common for people to smoke outside in areas that contain flammable materials. A fire can develop if:

• smoking materials are not entirely extinguished
• if cigarette butts are allowed to accumulate in a container
• if peat moss, dry leaves or decking materials have butts dropped on them

Typically, the person who was smoking has already gone inside the home and the fire grows unnoticed. The fire often starts close to a house, ignites the exterior walls, then travels up to the roof and attic putting everyone inside the house at risk. In the early stages the fire may already be threatening the home, but there is often no smoke inside the house and smoke detectors cannot detect it. Many times it is a neighbour or people walking who notice the fire – if anyone happens to be there.

To prevent outdoor fires caused by smoking materials, the Saskatoon Fire Department recommends that you:

• have a metal or ceramic pot with a lid to dispose of your smoking materials
• leave a container outside for guests to use, even if you don’t smoke
• be aware that ashes are a fire safety hazard
• never extinguish smoking materials in planters – the peat moss in planters can smolder for hours before suddenly bursting into flames
• never throw burning cigarettes out your car window and onto the street
• always make sure your smoking materials are completely extinguished and that there is nothing in the vicinity that could catch fire like dry grass or cedar trees.

City crews will begin back lane rehabilitation and maintenance on July 14, starting with Ward 8 and moving through to Ward 1, which is the reverse of last year’s program.  Saskatoon’s network of more than 400 kilometres of gravel back lanes will be improved this summer following inspections and ratings this past Spring.

“Annual grading of back lanes levels off low areas, repairs ruts and potholes, and prevents deterioration,” says Pat Hyde, Director of Public Works.  “In order to prevent damage to private property and for the safety of residents and our crews, we kindly ask residents to remove all obstructions and debris from the back lane.” Residents with back lane collection are also asked to move garbage and recycling containers back onto their property after their collection date.

Improvements will consist of almost 13 kilometres of gravel back lanes undergoing enhanced rehabilitation treatments, which include preventative measures such as trimming of trees overhanging into the lanes. Overhanging trees can cause poor drainage and excessive wet spots, leading to the formation of ruts. All other lanes will be graded and packed as appropriate to improve the condition.

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

Residents affected by a back lane rehabilitation will be notified in advance with more information about what to expect. 

A schedule for back lane maintenance and rehabilitation will be posted on the City’s website early next week.  Rain may cause delays to the program and the schedule may fluctuate as a result. 

For more information, visit saskatoon.ca and click on Building Better Roads, or contact the Public Works Customer Service Centre at public.works@saskatoon.ca or 306-975-2476.

Know before you go! Find traffic detour information on our website at www.saskatoon.ca/go/traffic. You can also follow us on Twitter @cityofsaskatoon and with #betterroadsYXE and like Saskatoon City News on Facebook.

For Immediate Release: July 2, 2014
                                           

SPADINA CRESCENT BETWEEN DUKE STREET AND QUEEN STREET, JULY 3

Beginning at 9:00 a.m. on Thursday, July 3, Spadina Crescent will be closed between Duke Street and Queen Street while crews work on water and sewer connections.

Access to local traffic will be maintained. The road is expected to reopen by 3:00 p.m. the same day.

25TH STREET AND 1ST AVENUE INTERSECTION, JULY 3

Beginning at 9:00 a.m. on Thursday, July 3, the following restrictions will be in place at 25th Street and 1st Avenue intersection while crews work on the road:

- 25th Street left turn lane to 1st Avenue southbound will be closed
- 25th Street westbound median (inside) lane will be closed approaching 1st Avenue

The roads are expected to reopen by 1:00 p.m. the same day.

All restrictions will be lifted as indicated, weather permitting and barring any unforeseen circumstances.

Slow down, pay attention and respect work zones. Watch for pedestrians and work crews, and for everyone’s safety, please obey all detours, signs and barriers.

Know before you go! Find traffic detour information on our website at www.saskatoon.ca/go/traffic. You can also follow us on Twitter @cityofsaskatoon and with #betterroadsYXE and like Saskatoon City News on Facebook.

For Immediate Release: July 2, 2014
 

Starting Monday, July 7, the pedestrian walkway under the new Circle Drive South Bridge will be closed. This closure will be in effect until Saturday, July 19.

Crews will be adjusting the bearings that allow for movement to prevent wear and tear. 

Pedestrians and cyclists are encouraged to find an alternative route for the two weeks of work.

Know before you go! Find traffic detour information on our website at www.saskatoon.ca/go/traffic. You can also follow us on Twitter @cityofsaskatoon and with #betterroads and like Saskatoon City News on Facebook.

For Immediate Release:  June 30, 2014

Travel on Saskatoon Transit for fast, convenient service to and from the Canada Day celebrations at Diefenbaker Park on Tuesday, July 1, 2014.  Customers are reminded that adjustments to routes and schedules began on June 29, and that Routes 1 and 17 will be running in the vicinity of Diefenbaker Park on their regular Sunday/Holiday service until 9:00 p.m.  Normal fares apply.

After the fireworks, catch a free ride from Diefenbaker Park with Saskatoon Transit. 

Saskatoon Transit is pleased to provide special night service free-of-charge from Diefenbaker Park to the four quadrants of Saskatoon following the fireworks show on July 1.  Four special routes will leave Diefenbaker Park (St. Henry Avenue) approximately 15 minutes after the fireworks show is over.  Buses will follow a designated route and will stop on request at bus stops or locations where it is safe to stop.

Bus #1 – will travel to the Downtown Terminal, then continue on 2^nd Avenue and Warman Road and will end at the Lawson Terminal

Bus #2 – will travel to the Downtown Terminal, then continue on 22^nd Street and will end at the Confederation Terminal

Bus #3 – will travel via Ruth Street to the Market Mall Terminal, then continue on Taylor Street and Acadia Drive and will end at the Centre Mall Terminal

Bus #4 – will travel via 8^th Street to the Centre Mall Terminal, then continue on to Central Avenue and 115^th Street and will end at the bus stop at Berini Drive and 115^th Street

For more information call Customer Service at 306-975-3100.

Access Transit will also provide additional service until midnight on Canada Day, July 1, for the fireworks at Diefenbaker Park.  Trips must be booked in advance as per normal booking procedures.  Access Transit customers are reminded that subscriptions do not apply on statutory holidays.

For more City of Saskatoon Public Service Announcements, News Releases,  Traffic Detours and Service Alerts, visit www.saskatoon.ca or connect with the City of Saskatoon on Twitter and Facebook.