Saskatoon traffic faces challenges amid city-wide construction blitz

Residents of Saskatoon are navigating a complex web of traffic disruptions as the city grapples with an extensive construction season. Numerous projects are underway simultaneously, leading to frequent road closures, detours, and significant delays for commuters. The sheer volume of work has made it challenging for drivers to move around the city without encountering construction zones.

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There are things that are being done this year that are over and above the norm. I would say the work related to the Link system or the BRT system.

According to Matt Jurkiewicz, the city's director of construction and design, the current year's work includes projects that are "over and above the norm," particularly those associated with the Link system or the BRT system. Major thoroughfares such as Circle Drive, Wanuskewin Road, College Drive, and the University Bridge are all affected. Jurkiewicz emphasized that the city's approach is data-driven and systematic, prioritizing underground infrastructure repairs before repaving roads to ensure long-term solutions.

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It’s not just willy-nilly. We’re using data and we’re trying to be systematic in the work that we do. And a lot of stuff that we do also centres around, like, we’re not going to repave a road if the pipes need to be fixed underground first. So, we focus on fixing the underground infrastructure.

The construction has created specific challenges for local institutions. With College Drive closed for the new BRT system, accessing the Royal University Hospital has become difficult for some. Similarly, Ronald McDonald House Saskatchewan, which provides accommodation for families from outside the city, has faced hurdles. Tammy Forrester, CEO of the organization, noted that families sometimes struggle to navigate barricades and fences when trying to reach the hospital, requiring staff to assist them.

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When they see the barricades and they see the fences, if they’re walking over to the hospital, they’re wondering if they can get through. So we’ve had to navigate some of those conversations.

To alleviate daytime traffic congestion, the city is increasingly focusing on conducting work overnight, especially on busy roads like Circle Drive. Jurkiewicz indicated that more overnight construction is expected in the coming years. The city urges drivers to remain vigilant, pay close attention to signage, and follow detours to ensure the safety of both the public and construction workers. The extensive construction is a necessary, albeit inconvenient, part of the city's infrastructure development.

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I think folks will be able to see and expect more of the work on these busy roads to start happening overnight in the coming years.