SASKATOON – Broadway Avenue is getting a major facelift starting next month when an improvement project kicks off. Extensive water main upgrades and road resurfacing are scheduled to begin May 2. The work is expected to last five months and will be carried out in different phases.
“We’ll be doing the intersections along Broadway first. Once we’re done those intersections, we’ll move off to the side streets,” said the city’s project engineer Celene Anger.
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The city says the work will result in fewer water main breaks in the future, something that will help the entire community.
Pedestrian access will be maintained but some sidewalks will be closed off. Detour signs will also be in place.
In part of the first phase, the Broadway Bridge will also shut down for at least a week. Commuters will be asked to reroute their commute and make use of other bridges and highways.
The primary detour route around Broadway Avenue will be Dufferin Avenue.
In total, 100 business and homes will be affected by water and sewer line replacements. Anger says both can expect brief water outages and some businesses will have to shut down for a day.
Some businesses along the area say they are nervous about what this will mean for foot traffic during the summer months.
Lindsay Mann, co-owner of Spectrum Hair Studio, says she understands the work must be done but can’t help but worry.
“We have clients that book months in advance for appointments so it’s hard when you don’t know what day you’re going to be shut down,” said Mann.
She adds while the city has sent her a letter notifying her of the changes, she does not know what day the hair studio will have to close.
“It’s pretty vague on what’s actually happening and what day it’s going to happen on,” she said.
The city says it is working with the Broadway Business Improvement District to minimize impact.
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