Saskatoon completes interchange

SASKATOON, SASK. – Work has wrapped up on Saskatoon’s new interchange at Boychuk Drive and Highway 16.

While The interchange opened to vehicles in late 2018, surrounding work was just finished last month to fully complete the project. The interchange was jointly funded by the Government of Canada, Government of Saskatchewan, and City of Saskatoon.

“This important traffic improvement project for Saskatoon is a great example of how the Government of Canada is making smart investments that contribute to economic growth and improve quality of life in order to foster a thriving middle class,” said the Ralph Goodale, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, in a press release. “This new interchange is making daily commutes easier and safer for drivers, cyclists and pedestrians and keeping commercial traffic flowing across the region.”

Charlie Clark, mayor of the Saskatoon said the new interchange is a sign of a growing city and it is an important step in creating a more connected community.

“It is already having a significant impact for those travelling in and through the south-east part of our city by improving safety, traffic flow, and the quality of life in our community,” said Mayor Clark. “I would like to thank our federal and provincial partners for investing in this project.”

Crews broke ground on the interchange in April of 2017, which cut the eastbound left turn lane on Highway 16 at Boychuk Drive to resolve safety and traffic flow issues.

“There has been a substantial improvement in traffic flow, which had become heavier and backed up as Rosewood and other east side neighbourhoods developed and became populated,” said Terry Schmidt, general manager of Transportation and Construction for the city, in a press release.

Ottawa and Saskatchewan each contributed $10,960,885 toward the Boychuk Drive and Highway 16 Interchange Project through the New Building Canada Fund. Saskatoon was responsible for remaining costs.

Another new interchange at McOrmond Drive and College Drive project also opened to drivers earlier this year. All its costs were paid by adjacent developers.

The two interchanges were simultaneously built by PCL Construction Management Inc., and both also include walkways and paths to make the areas safer for cyclists and pedestrians. Both interchanges were constructed for a total investment of $56,694,600.