Resurfacing major Saskatoon roads; Downtown water main replacements this summer

Some of Saskatoon’s most travelled roads are scheduled for major upgrades this summer. Construction projects will include resurfacing the west bound lanes of Circle Drive North between Millar Avenue and Alberta Avenue, and resurfacing sections of Preston Avenue between Preston Crossing and 8th Street.

“There are several areas of Preston Avenue that are in rough shape and in need of new asphalt,” says Terry Schmidt, General Manager of Transportation and Construction. “We’ll also get to Wanuskewin Road to resurface both sides between 71st Street and Penner Road.” 

Many roads will be completely resurfaced following water main replacements. Replacing the decades old water mains with durable PVC piping will continue in several areas of Saskatoon, including Downtown.

“Downtown water main replacement work will happen in phases throughout the summer and fall to avoid closing several blocks at the same time, starting with 22nd Street East between 3rd Avenue and 4th Avenue.” 

About $67.19 million is earmarked for road and bridge construction and maintenance in 2023. One of the most significant construction zones is already set up on the Circle Drive North Bridge where crews are now two months into a nine-month long rehabilitation project. Sidewalk repairs and annual street maintenance programs like street sweeping, pothole and utility cut repairs, and line painting are now underway or about to start.

Also, this month, the Saskatoon Transit Downtown Terminal will be undergoing road and sidewalk work. For approximately one week, the Terminal will temporarily move to 3rd Avenue North, in front of City Hall. Bus stop locations will be marked in advance.

Saskatoon Light & Power (SL&P) is already working Downtown, upgrading the underground electrical vault on the west side of 2nd Avenue between 21st Street and 22nd Street. Work began in late April and is scheduled for completion by mid-June. This is a cornerstone project that will allow SL&P to proceed with additional electrical renewal projects to update Downtown power infrastructure.

Despite some street closures due to construction, Schmidt says Downtown businesses will remain open and accessible by sidewalk.

“There will be pedestrian and traffic detours Downtown and throughout the city all summer. We thank residents for their patience and are asking everyone to respect work zones.”

For more information on current and future construction, please visit saskatoon.ca/construction.