As construction season ramps up in Saskatoon, the city has highlighted traffic restrictions and detours that may frustrate commuters throughout spring, summer, and early fall. Matt Jurkiewicz, director of construction and design, noted that many projects this year are interdependent, emphasizing the importance of checking daily road reports.
Construction Season Underway
“The beauty of Saskatoon is that construction season is short and we have an ever-increasing list of projects every year,” Jurkiewicz said. “We are going to be everywhere throughout the summer.” He acknowledged driver frustration and noted that “sometimes weird things happen out there,” such as drivers entering work zones. “People tend to panic when faced with an unknown situation,” he added, explaining that crews try to set up work areas optimally to prevent such incidents.
Zipper Merging: A Mixed Bag
When asked about drivers’ proficiency with zipper merging, Jurkiewicz described it as “hit or miss.” Zipper merging, where drivers use both lanes until the merge point and then alternate, is intended to improve traffic flow, but adoption remains inconsistent.
Key Projects: Water Mains and Paving
Water main repairs are planned in Riversdale, Blairmore, North Park, Richmond Hill, Caswell Hill, Nutana, Buena Vista, and Haultain. The city’s construction map shows at least nine water main projects between Idylwyld Drive and Cumberland Avenue in Nutana and Varsity View. Work at the Acadia Reservoir is nearing completion.
Overnight roadway preservation projects will occur on Idylwyld Drive, 22nd Street, and Circle Drive. While main work is at night, daytime preparation may cause some disruptions. Additionally, improvements on Highway 7 connector from 22nd Street to the CPKC rail line are underway.
Infrastructure and Planning
Land servicing on University land will support future infill development using existing infrastructure. Water and sewer installations are happening in Marquis Industrial area and along Meewasin Valley trail near Silverwood Heights. Phased detours and closures on Wanuskewin Road between Highway 11 and Arthur Rose Avenue are expected due to excavation and drilling.
A new dry storm pond in Meadowgreen’s Cahill Park aims to reduce local flooding. Jurkiewicz noted that planning for large projects begins up to a year in advance, citing the University Bridge work as an example where adjustments were made late last year knowing College Drive would close.
