General Location
The general location study takes place prior to the detailed to design phase and is used for future planning.
Southwest Route
This route isn't practical based on current and projected traffic volumes, which do not warrant it. The public also expressed concerns about a route through the study area. A review of route options further south of Victor Road may be required in the distant future.
Project Engineers
The Ministry of Highways and Infrastructure retained Associated Engineering in April 2015 to complete the general location study for the south portion of the Saskatoon Freeway.
Cost
No project costs can be established until future phases of planning.
Saskatoon Freeway Alignment
The ministry has been studying the Saskatoon Freeway since the mid 2000s. The alignment in the southeast was previously studied in 2005.
Preferred Alignment
Options have been developed based on the identified constraints and the functionality required for the freeway. The Triple Bottom Line evaluation method is used to assess the options and determine the preferred routes, taking into consideration environmental, social and economic criteria. The preferred option is the option with the highest overall score. A Saskatoon Regional Travel Demand Model was used to inform the decision in the southwest. It's a commonly recognized tool that forecasts travel for an area by utilizing: population and economic growth indicators, existing and future land use, travel characteristics and behaviours, and existing and future infrastructure information.
Development Restrictions
The southwest area is no longer impacted by the study, so there are no restrictions on development. The areas in the southeast and west will be protected along the recommended routes, with all other land being released from the study restrictions immediately. The R.M. of Corman Park Bylaws will still apply.
Land Acquisition
The ministry's intention is to impact the fewest number of individuals/landowners. Our approach is to work with the people in the area to reach some common ground in order to proceed with the planning. While no land is currently being acquired, it may be in the future as phases of the freeway are constructed. Ministry land agents meet with landowners on an individual basis and offers are based on the principles of fair and reasonable compensation. A number of processes are in place to work with landowners to reach a mutually acceptable value, including independent appraisals and mediation.
Construction Timelines
Planning for the future Saskatoon Freeway will take many more years as part of the long-range planning process. Following the general location study, the detailed design stage will begin at some point in the future. Once the planning is complete, additional time is required to determine a construction strategy, costs and timeline. Construction will take place as traffic volumes and development warrant, and may take place for many years and possibly decades. Keep in mind, the Saskatoon Freeway may be built in phases. No timeline or project cost has been established for additional planning work or construction.
Consultations
For further information, please contact:
Ministry of Highways and Infrastructure: Geoffrey Meinert
Landowners and other stakeholders who may be impacted are being contacted directly. Saskatoon and the RM of Corman Park are represented on the study's steering and advisory committees.
South Saskatoon Freeway General Location Study
Final Report