Saskatoon construction snarls commutes for USask students, hospital staff

Saskatoon commuters are facing increased delays as construction work nears completion on a key road linking the University of Saskatchewan, a hospital, and downtown. The University Bridge reopened last Friday after months of repairs, but its reopening coincides with students returning to campus and summer vacation ends, causing traffic congestion.

Rob Dudiak, the city's special projects manager, said that people may have taken advantage of the bridge's reopening, leading to the current restrictions. The construction is part of the city's Link bus rapid transit project, which includes platforms, intersection changes, and lane restrictions along College Drive. USask students report a half-hour increase in travel times from Campus Drive to the Campus and College Drive intersection.

The university and Medavie Health Services West, which operates the city's ambulance system, say there are no significant delays for emergency vehicles reaching Royal University Hospital. The Cancer Agency will accommodate late patients or rescheduled appointments at the nearby Cancer Centre. The bridge remains closed to the Saskatchewan Crescent exit, while an intersection with 25th Street and 2nd Avenue North stays closed.

The project is expected to be completed by the end of October, and phase two will resume construction between Cumberland and Preston Avenues next year.