Saskatoon Construction Delays Commutes by 30 Minutes
University of Saskatchewan students and hospital staff face traffic gridlock due to the city's bus rapid transit project, with the city working to alleviate the issue
Construction in Saskatoon is causing traffic gridlock, affecting commutes for University of Saskatchewan students and hospital staff. The construction, part of the city's bus rapid transit project known as Link, has led to single-lane traffic moving in each direction between Clarence and Cumberland Avenues.
The City of Saskatoon recently opened the University Bridge to vehicle traffic after months of repair work and delays. However, the reopening, combined with the end of summer vacations and the return of university students, has resulted in increased traffic. The city's special projects manager, Rob Dudiak, noted that people are trying out the newly reopened bridge, contributing to the gridlock.
The construction along College Drive is causing significant delays for USask students, with some reporting an additional 30 minutes to exit a parking lot area along Campus Drive. A test drive by Global News took 30 minutes to travel from Campus Drive near the student centre to the Campus and College Drive intersection.
The University of Saskatchewan recognizes that construction may affect travel times and encourages students facing delays to communicate with instructors. The city has noticed a reduction in traffic in the past two days, possibly indicating that commuters are adjusting to the new traffic patterns.
## Why it matters The construction is part of a larger effort to improve the city's transportation infrastructure. The bus rapid transit project, known as Link, aims to provide long-term improvements to the city's transportation system. While the construction may cause temporary inconveniences, the city spent over a year planning the sequence of the project to minimize disruptions. Emergency vehicles can use the new transit lane, ensuring that essential services are not impacted.
The city's efforts to alleviate the issue are ongoing, and commuters are advised to plan their routes accordingly. With the university and hospital staff affected by the construction, the city's goal is to find a balance between completing the project and minimizing disruptions to daily commutes.
