Phase 2 is the longest segment in the Saskatoon Freeway functional study, at roughly 27 km. It runs from Highway 11 near Grasswood and crosses Highway 16 East, Highway 5 and Highway 41. It continues across the South Saskatchewan River to the area south of Wanuskewin Heritage Park. It includes two high-speed connection points – Highway 11 near Grasswoods and Highway 16 East.
Phase 2 will directly benefit people living in urban residential, country residential, and farm properties adjacent to the freeway route. Because there are more landowners in the study area compared to Phase 1, we will need additional time to meet with all interested people and answer their questions.
Unlike Phase 1, no realignments of existing highways are anticipated. However, the study team will face a challenge where Highway 16 meets the proposed freeway, as the new interchange will have to account for an existing highway and a railway.
Phase 2 must consider the impact on a number of streets on the east side of Saskatoon, and how users of those roads will access the freeway. The design work will consider access to and from McOrmond Road/Central Avenue, Blakeley Road and 8th Street.
This phase includes planning for how the freeway will cross the South Saskatchewan River. While work on the location started in Phase 1, final design decisions will be made during Phase 2.
Phase 2 will determine how the freeway crosses the Swales on the northeast side of Saskatoon in the most ecologically sensitive way. A variety of measures will be considered to avoid, reduce or minimize the freeway’s impact on the Swale. We will ask for their feedback on a range of sustainable options through our public engagement efforts later in the year.