New website launched to help drivers avoid road woes this summer

Watch above: a new website aims to help drivers navigate around road construction sites this summer

SASKATOON- Drivers in Saskatoon will need to brace for an extremely busy summer on city roadways. More than $50 million is being spent to improve Saskatoon streets this year- 47 per cent more than was budgeted last year.

“We have heard loud and clear that residents care about the condition of their roads and we’re responding,” said Angela Gardiner, director of transportation with the City of Saskatoon on Tuesday.

This summer there will be up to 110 active work zones each day as the city tackles it’s most aggressive construction season in Saskatoon’s history, 40 per cent more than last year which will ultimately mean more delays and detours for motorists.

“On the flip side of that we are looking at different ways of delivering these projects including more of the construction to be happening in the off hours or overnight or 24/7 depending on the specific requirements for the various projects,” said Gardiner.

To avoid having driver’s patience pushed to the limit while behind the wheel this summer, the city is announcing the launch of a new website to help motorists plan their commutes.

“This is going to be a one-stop-shop for where you can find all the information regarding all construction in the city of Saskatoon this summer.”

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At this point, city officials would not confirm what roadways will be impacted this summer or when, saying more news will be released on Thursday.

Gardiner did confirm Circle Drive and 51st Street will be two roadways crews will be working on in the coming months. The most heavily trafficked roadway that will be affected is Circle Drive in Saskatoon’s north end where traffic volumes reach 80,000 motorists a day.

The newly launched website will be updated as more projects come on stream and can be accessed at Building Better Roads. Drivers can also like “Saskatoon City News” on Facebook for updates or follow @cityofsaskatoon or #BetterRoadsYXE on Twitter.