25th Street is a major roadway providing one of the main accesses to the central business district. The extension of 25th Street to Idylwyld Drive has been identified in the City's Future Transportation Network to provide efficient and safe access to and from Idylwyld Drive.

A public open house was held on Tuesday, September 21, 2010 to view and comment on the concept plan for the extension of 25th Street to Idylwyld Drive, and provide input on the measures proposed to address the impact this will have on traffic in the area. A presentation was provided, followed by a question and answer session. City of Saskatoon staff were in attendance to answer questions and gather feedback.

PROJECT INFORMATION

The first phase of the project, completed in 2006, involved the rehabilitation of 25th Street from Spadina Crescent to 2nd Avenue North, including curb-to-curb reconstruction of the roadway to expand the width; installation of additional left-turn bays; and streetscaping.

The second phase involved rehabilitating 25th Street from 2nd Avenue to 1st Avenue and was completed in 2009.  

Tentative Construction Timeframe for Phase Three (subject to approval of funding, and an agreement with Canadian National Railway and Canadian Pacific Railway):

2011

• Complete water and sewer work on 1st Avenue, and on 25th Street between 1st Avenue and Idylwyld Drive.
• Begin roadway construction on 25th Street from 1st Avenue to Idylwyld Drive.

2012

• Complete roadwork on 25th Street from 1st Avenue to Idylwyld Drive.

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

Why is 25th Street being extended?
25th Street is a major roadway through downtown Saskatoon, connecting both sides of the river to the highway system. The extension of 25th Street to Idylwyld Drive will provide a safer and more direct route and connection through the downtown as identified in the City's long term transportation network plans. The connection will also enable the redevelopment of the Warehouse District.

Will trains continue to cross Idylwyld Drive at 25th Street when the project is complete?
Yes.

Why doesn't 25th Street align with the existing 25th Street at Idylwyld Drive?
In order to provide a safe and approved rail crossing, the extension of 25th Street at Idylwyld Drive is south of the existing 25th Street. This will minimize rail and vehicle conflicts.

I live in the neighbourhood and I'm concerned about increased traffic. What's being done about that?
Since the extension of 25th Street doesn't align with the exisiting 25th Street at Idylwyld Drive, direct entry to the existing 25th Street is eliminated, along with traffic shortcutting through the neighbourhood. A proposed Traffic Management Plan outlines measures taken to reduce the impact of the traffic in the area. This will include traffic calming, traffic signal modifications, and a review and evaluation of several locations for improvements.

Will my transit service change?
Transit Services will not change because of the extension of 25th Street, and buses exiting from and returning to the garage will use existing routes.

How will traffic be affected during construction?
There will be traffic restrictions for the 25th Street Extension project, however an effort will be made to minimize the disruption of traffic movements and accesses.

What about the new Police Station? When will it be built?
The Saskatoon Police Service Headquarters project has issued a Request for Qualifications from design builders. The construction is planned to start in 2011 and be completed in 2013.

PLANS AND IMAGES

Aerial photo showing 25th Street extension detail

FOR MORE INFORMATION

If you would like more infomation,please contact Goren Lazic, Traffic Operations Engineer, at 975-2896 or goren.lazic@saskatoon.ca