News Releases

The City of Saskatoon invites residents to participate in the third round of open public engagement for the Growth Plan to Half a Million (Growth Plan).

 Input is being sought on the recommended long-term plans for a new transit system with Bus Rapid Transit (BRT); a new river crossing at 33^rd Street; BRT lanes on the University Bridge; and, redevelopment along major corridors like 8^th Street, 22^nd Street, and Preston Avenue.

 The public also has an opportunity to provide feedback on the recommended implementation priorities for putting specific features of the Growth Plan in motion over the short- , medium- , and long-term.

 Detailed project information and an online survey will be available at www.growingfwd.ca beginning Wednesday, February 25, through Wednesday, March 18, 2015.

 In addition to online engagement, there are several public events being hosted for residents to learn more and provide input into the development of the Growth Plan.

 Main Events – Growth Plan Focused Discussions

Tuesday, March 3, 2015

TCU Place, 35 22^nd Street East

Daytime Session:  Noon to 2 p.m.

Evening Session:  6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Growth Plan Campus Consultation

Tuesday, March 10, 2015

Louis’ Loft, 93 Campus Drive

3 p.m. to 5 p.m.

 The input gathered during this round of engagement will help to develop the long-term plans for corridor redevelopment, transit, and core area bridges, as well as set the direction for an implementation plan.  We will be back in the fall to share what we heard and confirm the final Growth Plan with the public.

 Once complete, the Growth Plan will help to guide future infrastructure investments so residents will have more choices for how they live and move around the city as Saskatoon grows to half a million people over the next 30 to 40 years.

 For more information on the Growth Plan or to sign up for project update notifications, please visit www.growingfwd.ca.

 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.

DRIVERS REMINDED TO USE EXTREME CAUTION

Mild weather on Monday followed by today’s drop in temperatures and snow is causing slippery road conditions for drivers. The City would like to caution residents to slow down as the ice is not visible under the fresh layer of snow.

Roadway crews are out sanding and salting priority streets on a continual basis.  Anti-icing products have been very successful this winter to keep roads clear; however, current blowing snow conditions polishes the ice between applications.

Bridges and overpasses are particularly susceptible to icy conditions so the City takes extra precautionary measures. When icy conditions exist, all bridge decks are checked and sanded as required every two hours.  Bridge decks are usually sanded just before rush hour because it’s very difficult to sand during peak times.

Please watch for equipment on the road.  The large machines used are equipped with flashing amber lights, move slowly in teams of two or more and can be found on the road at any time of day or night.  Drivers should stay a minimum of 15 metres back from the equipment and approach slowly if passing is necessary.  

When safe to do so, drivers can report icy locations to Public Works Customer Service at 306-975-2476.

NEW

TAYLOR ST W CLOSED FROM ST PATRICK AVE TO KILBURN AVE
(Valve replacement)
Start: February 25, 9:00 a.m. End: February 25, 6:00 p.m.

ONGOING

20TH ST E EB CURB (OUTSIDE) LANE CLOSED AT 4TH AVE S
(Hydro-vaccing lines)
Start: February 23, 9:00 a.m. End: February 27, 6:00 p.m.

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 and subscribe to Traffic Detour Service Alerts at saskatoon.ca/service-alerts. You can also follow us on Twitter @YXEServiceAlert and with #betterroadsYXE and like Saskatoon City News on Facebook.

ONGOING

20TH ST E EB CURB (OUTSIDE) LANE CLOSED AT 4TH AVE S
(Hydro-vaccing lines)
Start: February 23, 9:00 a.m. End: February 27, 6:00 p.m.

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 and subscribe to Traffic Detour Service Alerts at saskatoon.ca/service-alerts. You can also follow us on Twitter @YXEServiceAlert and with #betterroadsYXE and like Saskatoon City News on Facebook.

The City has awarded the tender for the necessary rehabilitation of Saskatoon’s iconic University Bridge to Horseshoe Hill Construction Inc. City Council approved the recommendation at its meeting of on Monday, February 23.

“We’re looking forward to working with Horseshoe Hill Construction Inc. on this important project that will ensure this 100 year old bridge continues to serve commuters for many years to come,” says Mike Gutek, Director of Major Projects. “This is an important step that allows us to now work out some of the finer details of this project.”

The project will see the bridge closed to the general public from May 1, 2015 to August 30, 2015. A single lane of traffic will remain open for emergency vehicles, Saskatoon Transit buses, Saskatoon Health Region authorized vehicles and school buses contracted by the Saskatoon School Boards only. A system will be implemented that accommodates travel in both directions. A single walkway will also remain open at all times during construction.

“Based on discussions with stakeholders, the critical needs of emergency vehicles, and the costs associated with a full closure, we believe this is the best solution for everyone involved,” says Gutek. “We’re deeply aware this work will have a significant impact on traffic flow in our City, but we are working to ensure the least disruption possible to carry out the repairs that are necessary for the safety and longevity of this important piece of infrastructure.”

A Project Transportation Plan is currently being prepared which involves identification of current and expected traffic delays at 26 key intersections. This information will be used to make improvements, assist with planning detours, and ultimately allow for better movement of traffic in our city.

An independent engineering assessment of the bridge in 2013 identified the deck is structurally insufficient and the concrete is susceptible to rapid failure and loss of strength due to freeze-thaw action. While there is no risk of danger, the assessment concluded that immediate repairs are required.

The City is continuously working with more than 250 stakeholders to keep them informed about the project. More information University Bridge Rehabilitation Project.