Concerns raised about the future of Saskatoon perimeter freeway

Premier Scott Moe could soon be receiving a letter from the City of Saskatoon asking the province to reconsider a decision to pause work on the Saskatoon perimeter freeway.

In October, the city was informed by the Ministry of Highways that planning work on the third and final phase of the freeway project had been put on the shelf indefinitely.

The bypass, which has been in the works since 2001, would start south of the city at Highway 11, wrap around the eastern and northern side of the city and continue to Highway 7 on the city’s west side. The work being cancelled includes the stretch between Highway 16 and Highway 7.

“The big issue right now is we’re not sure what this means,” said Coun. Randy Donauer. “In the various different meetings involving myself and some of our administration, I’ve heard the term ‘pause’ or ‘deferred.’ They’ve heard the term ‘cancelled.’ ”

The freeway is viewed as a key piece to alleviating some of the heavy truck traffic on Idylwyld Drive and 22nd Street, and Idylwyld Drive and Circle Drive.

The concern is also shared by Corman Park reeve Judy Harwood. The western portion of the route cuts right through her municipality and impacts the ability to move forward with future developments.

“The issue there is you have to freeze a lot of land on either side of the potential freeway,” Harwood said. “It’s incumbent on the government to keep moving forward on this. At least give us the design.”

Work on Phase 1 of the northern route is largely complete, while a second round of public consultation is planned for this winter on Phase 2. It’s to wrap around the southern and eastern edges of the city.

The province says construction of the freeway is not anticipated for at least 10 to 15 years.

“Given this long lead time, we feel the Ministry of Highways capital budget is better focused on more immediate priorities,” the ministry said in a statement.

“The ministry will continue to focus on investments to our current transportation network, including improvement options north of Saskatoon near the intersection of Wanuskewin Road and Highway 11.”

The province has spent $4.6 million to date on planning work for phases 1 and 2.

Donauer said it’s evident the first two phases are the main priority of the government, but he wants to see a commitment to restart Phase 3.

“We don’t want to see it go by the wayside,” he said. “We’re concerned pause now may mean forgotten about five years from now.”