News Releases

The Precautionary Evacuation Notice following the clean-up of the hydrochloric acid spill that occurred Friday morning on 50^th Street East between Cleveland and Wentz Avenue, has been lifted.

The Saskatoon Fire Department, the Ministry of Environment, the Emergency Response Team and a private contractor worked to neutralize the spill, which had the potential to produce a toxic gas. As a precautionary measure, the notice was issued and businesses to the north and west of the spill were asked to shut down and dismiss employees. Further clean-up of the site is ongoing.

The Saskatoon Fire Department responded to the chemical spill at 9:15 a.m. on Friday, May 15. Three fire engines as well as the Hazmat and Decon trailers responded.

The Saskatoon Fire Department reminds everyone of the importance of following advice given by emergency services to ensure their own safety. If you have questions about the safety in your business area, please call the Saskatoon Fire Department at 306-975-3030.

Emergency crews remain on scene dealing with the hydrochloric acid spill that occurred this morning on 50^th Street East between Cleveland and Wentz Avenue.

The Saskatoon Fire Department, the Ministry of Environment, the emergency response team and a private contractor are working to neutralize the spilled hydrochloric acid. This clean-up process may produce a toxic gas. As a precautionary measure, businesses to the north and west of the spill are being asked to shut down and dismiss employees.

Plume modelling has been utilized to determine the area that needs to be evacuated. Plume modelling takes into consideration wind speed, whether there is a high or low pressure system in the area, the vapour density of the product and the natural terrain of the area. The Saskatoon Fire Department and the Saskatoon Police Service are going door to door to ask a small number of businesses in the affected area to leave as soon as possible. Notifynow, Saskatoon’s emergency notification system, has been used to contact affected businesses and residents.

Emergency crews remain on scene dealing with the hydrochloric acid spill that occurred this morning on 50^th Street East between Cleveland and Wentz Avenue.

The Saskatoon Fire Department, the Ministry of Environment, the emergency response team and a private contractor are working to neutralize the spilled hydrochloric acid. This clean-up process may produce a toxic gas. As a precautionary measure, businesses to the north and west of the spill are being asked to shut down and dismiss employees.

Plume modelling has been utilized to determine the area that needs to be evacuated. Plume modelling takes into consideration wind speed, whether there is a high or low pressure system in the area, the vapour density of the product and the natural terrain of the area. The Saskatoon Fire Department and the Saskatoon Police Service are going door to door to ask a small number of businesses in the affected area to leave as soon as possible. Notifynow, Saskatoon’s emergency notification system, has been used to contact affected businesses and residents.

NEW

CENTRAL AVE SB CLOSED AT 104TH ST
(Water Main lining)
2-way traffic maintained in NB lanes
Start: May 19, 7:00 a.m. End: May 26, 4:00 p.m.

IDYLWYLD DR N SB CURB (OUTSIDE) LANE CLOSED BETWEEN 71ST ST W & MARQUIS DR W
(Sign maintenance)
Start: May 19, 9:00 a.m. End: May 19, 10:30 a.m.

BROADWAY AVE SB LEFT TURN LANE CLOSED APPROACHING 12TH ST E
(Manhole repair)
No left turn from Broadway Ave SB to 12th St EB
Start: May 19, 9:00 a.m. End: May 19, 1:00 p.m.

CONFEDERATION DR SB CURB (OUTSIDE) LANE CLOSED BETWEEN LAURIER DR & CIRCLE DR
(Landscaping work)
Start: May 19, 9:00 a.m. End: June 9, 6:00 p.m.

ONGOING

HWY 11/16 EB OVERPASS CLOSED AT CLOVERLEAF INTERSECTION
(Overpass repair)
Two EB lanes and one WB lane of traffic will be maintained on the WB overpass.
Start: May 18, 7:00 a.m. End: Tentative - August 7, 5:00 p.m.

CENTRAL AVE CLOSED BETWEEN GARVIE RD & SOMERS RD
(Sewer main installation)
Detour via Kristjanson Rd
Start: May 11, 9:00 a.m. End: June 26, 5:00 p.m.

UNIVERSITY BRIDGE CLOSED BETWEEN SPADINA CRES & COLLEGE DR
(Bridge Repairs)
Start: May 3, 7:00 a.m. End: August 31, 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.

NEW SATURDAY

1ST AVE N CLOSED FROM 23RD ST E TO 24TH ST E
(BACA Bikers Against Child Abuse 100 Mile Ride)
Start: May 16, 7:00 a.m. End: May 16, 6:00 p.m.

SPADINA CRES/ WHITESWAN DR NB CLOSED FROM 21ST ST TO SILVERWOOD ROAD
(Bikes on Broadway)
Start: May 16, 4:00 p.m. End: May 16, 9:00 p.m.

NEW SUNDAY

WANUSKEWIN RD NB CURB (OUTSIDE) LANE CLOSED APPROACHING ADILMAN DR
(Manhole repair)
Start: May 17, 9:00 a.m. End: May 17, 4:00 p.m.

WARMAN RD SB CLOSED FROM 51ST ST E TO LENORE DR
(Manholes & catch basins repair)
Use Millar Ave
Start: May 17, 7:00 a.m. End: May 17, 12:00 p.m.

NEW MONDAY

HWY 11/16 EB OVERPASS CLOSED AT CLOVERLEAF INTERSECTION
(Overpass repair)
Two EB lanes and one WB lane of traffic will be maintained on the WB overpass.
Start: May 18, 7:00 a.m. End: Tentative - August 7, 5:00 p.m.

ONGOING

CENTRAL AVE CLOSED BETWEEN GARVIE RD & SOMERS RD
(Sewer main installation)
Detour via Kristjanson Rd
Start: May 11, 9:00 a.m. End: June 26, 5:00 p.m.

UNIVERSITY BRIDGE CLOSED BETWEEN SPADINA CRES & COLLEGE DR
(Bridge Repairs)
Start: May 3, 7:00 a.m. End: August 31, 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 Saskatoon Fire Department reminds the residents of Saskatoon that low hazard fireworks can only be detonated on private property between the hours of dusk and 11:00 p.m. on Victoria Day, Monday, May 18th.

Low hazard fireworks are designed for public recreational use and include some roman candles, sparklers, fountains, wheels, volcanoes, mines and snakes that travel less than 50m (160 ft) high. High hazard fireworks are designed for professionals and can only be purchased by persons holding a valid Fireworks Supervisor – Level I or Level II card issued by Natural Resources Canada.

“Even though low hazard fireworks are permitted between dusk and 11:00 p.m. on Victoria Day” said Acting Fire Marshal Luc Durand, “we still want people to understand the risks associated with fireworks and exercise extreme caution.”

Before sending off your low-hazard fireworks choose your location wisely. Fireworks are only allowed on private property and cannot be detonated on any public spaces. You will need a wide clear site with no overhead obstructions and the ability to stabilize and/or secure the fireworks. For example, a roman candle needs an area of about 30m (100ft) by 30m (100ft) with room for spectators around that perimeter. To ensure stability, a roman candle needs to be buried to half its length in sand or soil or secured in racks designed for that purpose. Keep in mind that you are responsible for any debris that may land on your spectators or another person’s property.

Carefully read and follow all the manufacturer’s instructions on the fireworks.

After dusk, when you are ready to fire, make sure that it is not windy, that everyone under 18 is supervised by an adult and that you always carefully light the fuse at its tip. Other than sparklers, never light or hold a lit firework in your hand.

Wait at least 30 minutes before beginning the clean-up process. At that time, it is a good idea to dispose of used fireworks and debris in a pail of water. Never try to relight or fix the fuse on fireworks that didn’t go off.

Always be extremely careful when shooting fireworks. Their debris or smoldering embers could cause injuries, property damage or even fires

The Saskatoon Fire Department wishes everyone a safe and happy holiday. Please follow all safety requirements if you choose to send off fireworks during between dusk and 11:00 p.m. on Victoria Day.

NEW

22ND ST W WB CURB (OUTSIDE) LANE CLOSED APPROACHING AVE P
(Sidewalk replacement)
Ave P NB closed between 22nd St W & 23rd St W
Start: May 15, 9:00 a.m. End: May 15, 3:00 p.m.

ONGOING

CENTRAL AVE CLOSED BETWEEN GARVIE RD & SOMERS RD
(Sewer main installation)
Detour via Kristjanson Rd
Start: May 11, 9:00 a.m. End: June 26, 5:00 p.m.

UNIVERSITY BRIDGE CLOSED BETWEEN SPADINA CRES & COLLEGE DR
(Bridge Repairs)
Start: May 3, 7:00 a.m. End: August 31, 6:00 p.m.

*EXPECT DELAYS* CIRCLE DR/HWY 16 EB & WB MEDIAN (INSIDE) LANES CLOSED APPROACHING OVERPASS
(Detour bypass construction)
Preparation work for overpass repairs scheduled to begin May 19.
Start: April 30, 9:00 a.m. End: May 15, 5:00 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.

NEW

4TH AVE N SB CURB (OUTSIDE) LANE CLOSED BETWEEN 22ND ST & 21ST ST
(SIIT BBQ)
Start: May 14, 7:00 a.m. End: May 14, 2:00 p.m.

11TH ST W CLOSED FROM AVE O S TO AVE N S
(Water & sewer work)
Start: May 14, 9:00 a.m. End: May 14, 3:00 p.m.

8TH ST E WB LEFT TURN LANE CLOSED APPROACHING ARLINGTON AVE
(Fiber Optic Cable Installation)
Start: May 14, 9:00 a.m. End: May 14, 3:00 p.m.

22ND ST W WB CURB (OUTSIDE) LANE CLOSED FROM AVE J N TO AVE K N
(Curb box repair)
Start: May 14, 9:00 a.m. End: May 14, 1:00 p.m.

ONGOING

CENTRAL AVE CLOSED BETWEEN GARVIE RD & SOMERS RD
(Sewer main installation)
Detour via Kristjanson Rd
Start: May 11, 9:00 a.m. End: June 26, 5:00 p.m.

UNIVERSITY BRIDGE CLOSED BETWEEN SPADINA CRES & COLLEGE DR
(Bridge Repairs)
Start: May 3, 7:00 a.m. End: August 31, 6:00 p.m.

*EXPECT DELAYS* CIRCLE DR/HWY 16 EB & WB MEDIAN (INSIDE) LANES CLOSED APPROACHING OVERPASS
(Detour bypass construction)
Preparation work for overpass repairs scheduled to begin May 19.
Start: April 30, 9:00 a.m. End: May 15, 5:00 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 of Saskatoon will begin necessary repairs on the Highway 11 and 16 overpasses at the cloverleaf intersection on Tuesday, May 19. The traffic detour will begin on Monday, May 18. The work is expected to last approximately four months, weather permitting and barring any unforeseen circumstances.

“The work will extend the life of these important pieces of infrastructure and ensure their continued use in the future,” says Rob Frank, Engineering Manager for Asset Preservation. “As part of our yearly bridge and overpass inspection program, both the University Bridge rehabilitation project and the Highway 11 & 16 cloverleaf were identified as needing immediate repairs. Maintaining City infrastructure and bridges is important to Saskatoon.”

While there is no current risk of danger, the engineering assessment at the cloverleaf concluded immediate repairs to the ends of the support beams were required to restore their structural capacity. Delaying the repairs would result in continued deterioration of the structures and necessitate the closure of lanes and the restriction of heavier vehicles.

In order to minimize disruption to drivers, significant planning has gone into developing a detour plan that allows the continued movement of traffic in all directions. Temporary detour structures are being built to allow at least a single lane of traffic to continue in both directions for the duration of the project. During phase 1, two-way traffic will be accommodated on the westbound overpass while work is carried out on the eastbound structure. During Phase 2 the traffic detour will reverse while repairs are made to the westbound structure. Traffic will be required to slow to 60 km/h through the construction zone.

“The traffic restrictions that have been in place over the past two weeks have accommodated construction of those temporary structures,” says Frank. “We know this is having an impact on traffic flow in the area. If everybody obeys the signage, in particular the zipper merge, we anticipate a 5 to 10 minute delay to drivers for the remainder of the project.”

To zipper merge correctly, as you see the “lane closed ahead” sign and traffic backing up, stay in your current lane up to the point of merge. Then take turns with other drivers to safely and smoothly ease into the remaining lane. Vehicles in the merging lane must signal, and drivers in the through lane must let one vehicle merge. It’s important to note that this makes the traffic flow more quickly and efficiently for drivers in both lanes.

The City thanks drivers for their patience while this necessary work is carried out. For more information about the project visit saskatoon.ca and search ‘cloverleaf’.

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.

NEW

WANUSKEWIN RD NB CURB (OUTSIDE) LANE CLOSED BETWEEN LENORE DR & ADILMAN DR
(Catch basin & manhole repairs)
Preparation work for road resurfacing scheduled to begin May 20.
Start: May 13, 9:00 a.m. End: May 13, 4:00 p.m.

8TH ST E WB LEFT TURN LANE TO ARLINGTON AVE CLOSED
(Fibre optic cable installation)
Arlington Ave NB curb (outside) lane closed at 8th St
Start: May 13, 9:00 a.m. End: May 13, 3:00 p.m.

ONGOING

CENTRAL AVE CLOSED BETWEEN GARVIE RD & SOMERS RD
(Sewer main installation)
Detour via Kristjanson Rd
Start: May 11, 9:00 a.m. End: June 26, 5:00 p.m.

UNIVERSITY BRIDGE CLOSED BETWEEN SPADINA CRES & COLLEGE DR
(Bridge Repairs)
Start: May 3, 7:00 a.m. End: August 31, 6:00 p.m.

*EXPECT DELAYS* CIRCLE DR/HWY 16 EB & WB MEDIAN (INSIDE) LANES CLOSED APPROACHING OVERPASS
(Detour bypass construction)
Preparation work for overpass repairs scheduled to begin May 19.
Start: April 30, 9:00 a.m. End: May 15, 5:00 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.