News Releases

Saskatoon’s seven bridges, 47 overpasses and 21 pedestrian crossings are pressure washed each spring, following the completion of the spring street sweeping blitz.  Annual washing removes the road dirt and salt that collects along the sides throughout the year to prevent corrosion and deterioration, extending the life of the structure.  Once clean, a sealant is applied to the concrete for added protection against sand and salt.  The process involves routine maintenance, and pressure washing the inside and outside walls and the bearings and expansion joints, located underneath where large amounts of dirt collects.  

Structure washing occurs overnight Monday through Thursday, from 8:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.; one to three locations will be cleaned each night.  For the safety of workers and drivers, and to provide access for equipment, lane restrictions will be in place during washing.  In most instances, traffic will merge to the centre lanes to accommodate the washing activities, but drivers are reminded please obey signs and pylons, and watch for City vehicles and workers. 

Tonight, drivers should watch for restrictions on the University Bridge, beginning at 8:00 p.m. Daily road restriction PSAs and Traffic Detour service alerts will advise drivers of the locations and restrictions.  

Bridge and overpass washing is expected to be completed by the middle of August, barring any unforeseen circumstances and weather permitting. 

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 like Saskatoon City News on Facebook. 

Due to the forecast of rain this evening, paving on Circle Drive westbound curb (outside) and centre lane from Attridge Drive to Circle Drive North Bridge has been postponed. The lanes were scheduled to be closed overnight from 6:45 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. All lanes will now be open to traffic and a new Public Service Announcement will be issued when the work resumes.

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 Release: June 13, 2014

Since the federal and provincial governments announced very generous contributions for two much-needed bridges in our city, you, the citizens of Saskatoon, may have been hearing a lot of confusing information about how taxpayer funds will be used.

It has become apparent I need to set the record straight.

Of course I understand and respect there will always be a variety of opinions about City operations and programs, however, there is only one set of facts.

P3 Funding

There are many benefits to a Public Private Partnership or P3 funding model. It allows municipalities to deliver much needed civic facilities or other infrastructure much faster; there is less financial risk to a city; and with the private sector taking the lead, P3 projects often result in innovations that save taxpayers money.

Further, a P3 model also ensures taxpayers receive a fully maintained asset over the life-span of the asset; that means there is no temptation for cities to put-off maintenance costs. Without this arrangement in place, taxpayers could be on the hook for even greater – and most surely – higher costs to fix-up critical infrastructure the public relies on.

North Commuter Parkway/Traffic Bridge Replacement Project

As a P3, the benefits of creating a new bridge and restoring an historic river crossing in our city for all vehicles, bicycles and pedestrians are many as well.

The bridges will help reduce congestion – and we’ve already seen evidence the Circle Drive South Bridge has done this with heavy truck traffic downtown. Less congestion means greater mobility for private vehicles and for Transit making a Bus Rapid Transit plan even more viable.

Finally, the North Commuter Parkway Bridge will not be a toll bridge.

City Finances

The City is one of a small number of municipalities that has and maintains a AAA credit rating; this is because we spend your tax dollars very carefully. As a result, we are able to borrow money for major infrastructure projects our growing community needs at lower rates. This also saves you money.

Long term debt financing is a valid and prudent means to acquire and fund major infrastructure.

To be able to pay with cash on hand is not always practical, nor realistic. Borrowing for major infrastructure is much the same as a home purchase; as consumers many of us rarely have the cash to buy a home outright: instead, we take out a mortgage -- borrow the money, buy the property and pay it back to the lender. For certain, there is interest paid to the lender, but it is also the cost of providing ourselves and families with a place to live.

This is the same case for Saskatoon. Our growing community needs both new and replacement infrastructure and sometimes we borrow to build it. If we don’t provide the infrastructure, the community remains at a standstill, the economy suffers, and the city becomes a less attractive place to live, work and play.

We are in good stead as a City with a solid vision and strategic plan set by City Council and a new Growing Forward! initiative to plan and build a sustainable Saskatoon. Our finances are strong and we will continue to move ahead and progress as a community.

Kind regards,

Murray Totland

City Manager

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.

For Immediate Release: June 13, 2014
 

SPADINA CRESCENT NORTHBOUND, JUNE 14

Beginning at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, June 14, Spadina Crescent northbound will be closed from Queen Street to Pinehouse Drive to accommodate the Motorcycle ride for Dad community event. The University Bridge westbound ramp to Spadina Crescent northbound will also be closed.

The road is expected to reopen by 12:00 p.m. Noon the same day.

REMINDER: CIRCLE DRIVE OVERNIGHT RESTRICTIONS, JUNE 14-15

Beginning at 6:45 p.m. on Saturday, June 14 and Sunday, June 15 Circle Drive westbound curb (outside) and centre lane will be closed from Attridge Drive on ramp to Circle Drive North Bridge while crews continue to pave the road. Attridge Drive on ramp to Circle Drive westbound will also be closed.

To minimize disruption to traffic the restrictions will take place overnight with the road expected to reopen by 6:00 a.m. each morning.

REMINDER: 51ST STREET OVERNIGHT RESTRICTIONS, JUNE 15-28

Starting on June 15, 2014, there will be lane restrictions on 51st Street and Faithfull Avenue while crews resurface the road. To minimize disruption to traffic the restrictions will take place at night only from 7:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.

Phase 1 - Faithfull Avenue from 50th Street to 51st Street and the intersection of Faithfull Avenue and 51st Street
(Approximate duration: 2 nights)
Beginning June 15

- Faithfull Avenue will be closed from 50th Street to 51st Street, access for local traffic maintained.
- Left turns at the intersection from 51st Street onto Faithfull Avenue will not be permitted. 

Phase 2 - 51st Street from Faithfull Avenue to Wanuskewin Road (eastbound)
(Approximate duration 4 nights)
Expected start: June 17

- Curb (outside) and centre lanes will be closed. Traffic merges to median (inside) lanes in both directions.
- Traffic in the direction of construction will be diverted to alternate routes. Left turns will be restricted as required.

Phase 3 - 51st Street from Wanuskewin Road to Faithfull Avenue (westbound)
(Approximate duration 4 nights)
Expected start: June 21

- Curb (outside) and centre lanes will be closed. Traffic merges to median (inside) lanes in both directions.
- Traffic in the direction of construction will be diverted to alternate routes. Left turns will be restricted as required.

Phase 4 - 51st Street left turn lane from Faithfull Avenue to Wanuskewin Road
(Approximate duration: 3-4 nights)
Expected start: June 25

- Left turn lane will be closed in both directions.

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: June 13, 2014
 

IDYLWYLD DRIVE SOUTHBOUND, JUNE 16-27 

Starting at 9:00 a.m. on Monday, June 16, Idylwyld Drive southbound curb (outside) lane will be closed from 25th Street to 24th Street while crews carry out streetscaping work. One lane will remain open to traffic.

The work is expected to last 2 weeks.

SPADINA CRESCENT & 19TH STREET, JUNE 16-JULY 2

Beginning at 7:00 a.m. on Monday, June 16, the following road restrictions will be in place to accommodate the Saskatchewan Jazz Festival.

June 16 – July 2

- Spadina Crescent westbound will be closed from 20th Street to near 3rd Avenue.

June 17 – 24

- 19th Street eastbound curb (outside) lane will be closed from 3rd Avenue to 30 metres east.

The City thanks everyone for their patience. 

BROADWAY, UNIVERSITY & SID BUCKWOLD BRIDGE OVERNIGHT LANE RESTRICTIONS

Beginning at 8:00 p.m. on Monday, June 16, the following restrictions will be in place as crews clean and seal bridges. Traffic will merge to the centre lanes as crews progress and restrictions may vary per location. Watch for traffic detour service alerts for up-to-date information on road restrictions.

Monday, June 16 - Broadway Bridge

Tuesday, June 17 - University Bridge

Wednesday, June 18 & Thursday, June 19 – Sid Buckwold Bridge

To minimize disruption to traffic the work will occur overnight from 8:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.

REMINDER: 8TH STREET WESTBOUND, JUNE 16-21

Beginning at 9:00 a.m. on Monday, June 16, 8th Street westbound lanes will be closed from Broadway Avenue to Clarence Avenue while crews pave the road. Two way traffic will be accommodated in the eastbound lanes.

The work is expected to last 6 days and the road reopen by 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 21.

REMINDER: CIRCLE DRIVE OVERNIGHT RESTRICTIONS, JUNE 16

Beginning at 6:45 p.m. on Monday, June 16, Circle Drive northbound median (inside) lane will be closed from the train bridge to Circle Drive North Bridge while crews pave the road.

To minimize disruption to traffic the restrictions will take place overnight with the road expected to reopen by 6:00 a.m. Tuesday, June 17.

REMINDER: 51ST STREET OVERNIGHT RESTRICTIONS, JUNE 15-28

Starting on June 15, 2014, there will be lane restrictions on 51st Street and Faithfull Avenue while crews resurface the road. To minimize disruption to traffic the restrictions will take place at night only from 7:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.

Phase 1 - Faithfull Avenue from 50th Street to 51st Street and the intersection of Faithfull Avenue and 51st Street
(Approximate duration: 2 nights)
Beginning June 15

- Faithfull Avenue will be closed from 50th Street to 51st Street, access for local traffic maintained.
- Left turns at the intersection from 51st Street onto Faithfull Avenue will not be permitted.

Phase 2 - 51st Street from Faithfull Avenue to Wanuskewin Road (eastbound)
(Approximate duration 4 nights)
Expected start: June 17

- Curb (outside) and centre lanes will be closed. Traffic merges to median (inside) lanes in both directions.
- Traffic in the direction of construction will be diverted to alternate routes. Left turns will be restricted as required.

Phase 3 - 51st Street from Wanuskewin Road to Faithfull Avenue (westbound)
(Approximate duration 4 nights)
Expected start: June 21 

- Curb (outside) and centre lanes will be closed. Traffic merges to median (inside) lanes in both directions.
- Traffic in the direction of construction will be diverted to alternate routes. Left turns will be restricted as required.

Phase 4 - 51st Street left turn lane from Faithfull Avenue to Wanuskewin Road
(Approximate duration: 3-4 nights)
Expected start: June 25

- Left turn lane will be closed in both directions.

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.