City announces revised 2020 Capital Construction Program

Upwards of 4,600 metres of water main installation is included in a revised 2020 Capital Construction Program, endorsed by Saskatoon city council.

In a virtual press conference Thursday, general manager of the city’s transportation and construction, Terry Schmidt announced the changes amid the COVID-19 global pandemic.

“The revised plan is a result of an extensive reevaluation of all the projects that have been planned prior to the pandemic,” he said.

Schmidt explained that health and safety remain the city’s number one priority, and its changes in deployment for the 2020 Capital Construction Program reflect the latest restrictions under new Health Canada guidelines.

Among the changes is a push for upgrading water mains, Schmidt explained.

“A major part of construction this year will involve the replacement of ageing water mains. Approximately 4,611 metres of new water main will be installed in those areas where the current infrastructure is in immediate need of replacement,” he said.

The high-traffic water main changes include on Clarence Ave. at College Drive and 8th Street, on Darby Road in Silverspring for the Evergreen and Aspen Ridge neighbourhoods and on 8th Street eastbound between Summerfield Ave. and Arlington Ave.

$61 million has been earmarked for Saskatoon’s streets, bridges and sidewalks. That includes street resurfacing, pothole repair and line painting.

Street resurfacing will be done on multiple stretches of College Drive, including from Highway 41 to the CP overpass, on Central to College Drive and 107th Street, and on Circle Drive from College Drive to 14th Street.

The Senator Sid Buckwold Bridge project is proceeding as normal and resumed in March according to Schmidt.

That project will include a wider walkway at completion, with a larger separation for pedestrians to vehicles, a better surface for motorists and a new drainage system.

“Roads really matter to the people of Saskatoon. Construction projects result in sound infrastructure, and they will help boost the economy by providing jobs,” Schmidt said.

Schmidt also explained that the city understands construction season can be tough on motorists, but the changes are needed.

“When you are travelling through any work zone this summer, please keep in mind the safety of yourself and others. Slow down, pay attention and watch for workers,” he said.

“We know it can be a real pain in the asphalt.”

The city says there is an opportunity to look at a whole array of capital projects, and that they are hopeful that new funding announced by the provincial government Wednesday could move some “shovel-ready” projects up to this summer.

Schmidt says they are still waiting on those provincial details before they commit to advancing future projects, or ones that would be able to be completed within the construction season.

Additionally, Schmidt says the city is planning to have the Lead Line Replacement Program completed on time for 2026, even with the postponement in 2020.