2021 road, water main and sidewalk construction wrapping up
Travelling on College Drive from Central Avenue eastbound to the edge of the city is a much smoother experience, thanks to a four-week long road resurfacing project over the summer. Laying new asphalt on that stretch to improve the condition and make it longer lasting was one of the most significant initiatives undertaken by the City during the 2021 construction season.
“Several of our road projects finished earlier than expected and we had more time to finish others, due to a very dry summer and above average temperatures that extended into the fall,” says Terry Schmidt, General Manager of Transportation and Construction. “Overall, work was generally steady and uninterrupted, and we were able to improve approximately 207 kilometers of roads this year.”
In addition to College Drive and the rehabilitation of the Circle Drive overpass at 8th Street, which finished early, Schmidt says road construction took place following water main replacements in neighbourhoods like Caswell Hill and Nutana.
“We replace water mains and service connections at the same time. The roads excavated during that work are then completely resurfaced and repaved from curb-to-curb.”
Approximately 22 kilometers of water mains and sanitary sewer mains were replaced or rehabilitated in 2021 – about the distance from Saskatoon to Martensville.
Sidewalk improvements are just as important as road maintenance every year. City departments have been working collaboratively to make significant improvements to the management and execution of the Sidewalk Repair Program. So far in 2021, crews have repaired or rehabilitated approximately 28 kilometers of sidewalks and curbs. That work will continue for as long as the weather allows this fall.
Significant progress has been made on Saskatoon roads, sidewalks and water mains in recent years and the City of Saskatoon thanks residents for their patience and cooperation.
For more 2021 construction highlights, please see the attached infographics or visit saskatoon.ca/construction.