Watch the video above: City to begin fixing back lanes
SASKATOON – There has been plenty of talk about fixing roads in Saskatoon, but many residents say beat up back lanes need to be higher on the city’s priority list.
Saskatoon has about 400 kilometres of back lanes and many of them are used every day; however, deep ruts are now plaguing neighbourhood vehicles.
“I’ve got a truck and I still find it rough. So anyone with a car, it’s not exactly the best for them,” said Ken Racine, a resident of Carleton Drive.
City crews will begin fixing many of the back lanes on July 14, starting with Ward 8 and through to Ward 1.
The city is spending about $600,000 on the program.
“This year, we’ll be doing approximately 13 kilometres of back lanes for rehabilitation,” said Pat Hyde, the city’s public works branch director.
“The program basically consists of two components. One is a capital-funded rehabilitation program for select lanes and as well, maintenance blading for those lanes that don’t qualify for rehabilitation.”
Each spring, the city inspects every gravel lane and rates them according to how bad ruts are and proper drainage.
“For them to finally be doing something about the street or the back alley, it’s nice that they’re finally paying some attention to our neighbourhood,” said Chris Scarfe, a Carleton Drive resident.
The city will also be trimming any overhanging trees that have grown into lanes.
Particularly in older neighbourhoods, the trees have been preventing sunlight from drying out back lanes.
While crews are working on back lanes, access will be restricted for motorists.
Children and pets have to stay at least 15 metres away from equipment.
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