News Releases

The City of Saskatoon today announced the major road and other infrastructure projects that will lead the 2014 season. Saskatoon’s most aggressive program of road construction, maintenance and rehabilitation is underway with over $50 million targeted to projects ranging from major roadwork to residential streets and sidewalks. The investment represents 47 per cent more than was budgeted last year.

“Approximately $23.8 million will be invested in road and sidewalk rehabilitation alone,” said Chris Hallam, Director of Construction & Design for the City of Saskatoon. “That’s 178 lane kilometers of road work – which is about the same distance from here to Kindersley and 100 kilometers more than we did last year.”

Through the City of Saskatoon’s 2013 Civic Services Survey, residents identified road conditions as the single most important issue facing the city.

Although road construction, repair and rehabilitation is the centrepiece of the City’s efforts this year, a number of other infrastructure projects will be addressed this season.

Approximately $8.2 million will be spent on rehabilitating nearly 14 kilometers of water mains, and storm and sanitary sewers, throughout the city. Soundwalls will be constructed along Circle Drive near Preston Avenue. Nearly $144 million will be spent on building and developing infrastructure for Saskatoon’s new neighbourhoods.

“As always, efficiency, quality, and safety will be our focus this construction season,” said Hallam, “Working efficiently, and helping residents get around the city as efficiently as possible will be key. Using the best quality materials to fix our roads, and keep them in better condition, for a longer period of time is important. Through it all, the safety of our crews, and everyone approaching or passing work zones, will be our top priority.”

Hallam pointed to the city’s Building Better Roads website, launched earlier this week, as a way for residents to get the latest information on road restrictions and work zones that could affect their daily commutes. The site also features updates and schedules on other areas like pothole repair, street sweeping and back lane rehabilitation.

Residents can view a list of the city’s 2014 construction projects at Saskatoon.ca by clicking “Building Better Roads”.

Drivers are reminded to allow extra time when travelling through the orange zone, watch for pedestrians and work crews, and for everyone’s safety, please obey all detours, signs and barriers.

Beginning at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, May 14, 2014, the intersection of Idylwyld Drive and 23rd Street will have the following lane restrictions while crews work on underground cables:

- Idylwyld Drive southbound and northbound median lanes will be closed approaching 23rd Street and through the intersection.
- 23rd Street westbound will be reduced to two lanes approaching Idylwyld Drive.
- Turning from 23rd Street onto Idylwyld Drive will be maintained.

To minimize impact to traffic the work has been scheduled to take place at night, with restrictions lifted at 6.00 a.m. on Thursday, May 15, 2014, weather permitting and barring any unforeseen circumstances.

Drivers are reminded to allow extra time when travelling through the orange zone, watch for pedestrians and work crews, and for everyone’s safety, please obey all detours, signs and barriers.

Know before you go! Find up-to-date traffic detour information at www.saskatoon.ca/go/traffic and follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

Beginning 9.00 a.m. on Thursday May 15, 2014, College Drive eastbound will be closed between University Drive and Munroe Avenue North as crews fix a leaking water main that has created a sink hole in the road. Two-way traffic will be accommodated in the westbound lanes of College Drive.

The work is expected to take two days, weather permitting and barring any unforeseen circumstances.

Drivers are reminded to allow extra time when travelling through the orange zone, 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 work at the intersection of Idylwyld Drive and 23rd Street East due to begin at 7.00 p.m. on Wednesday, May 14, 2014, has been cancelled. A new Public Service Announcement will be issued should the work be rescheduled.

Know before you go! Find up-to-date traffic detour information at www.saskatoon.ca/go/traffic and follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

Beginning at 6.30 p.m. on Wednesday, May 14, 2014, Circle Drive eastbound from east of the Circle Drive Bridge to Attridge Drive will have the following lane restrictions while crews apply durable lane markings:

- Circle Drive eastbound curb (outside) lane from just east of the Circle Drive Bridge to the Attridge Drive on-ramp will be closed.
- Circle Drive eastbound on-ramp to Preston Avenue southbound will be closed.
- Circle Drive eastbound on-ramp to Attridge Drive/Preston Drive will be maintained. 

To minimize the impact to traffic the work has been scheduled to take place at night, with restrictions lifted at 6:00 a.m. on Thursday, May 15, weather permitting and barring any unforeseen circumstances.

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.