The City of Saskatoon has unveiled more details about its plans for the future, and how traffic and travel patterns will change as Saskatoon grows.
But some of those plans, including talk of two more bridges in the city, caught some by surprise.
In addition to the north perimeter bridge, the city is talking about a second bridge in the north just to help city traffic flow.
As Saskatoon grows, city manager Murray Totland says it needs two north bridges to keep up. "250,000. We're there. We believe planning needs to start today."
Besides a north perimeter highway bridge, mainly for transport trucks, the city wants a smaller, commuter bridge. It'd be similar to the University Bridge to better connect the expanding north industrial area.
The city's focus is on moving traffic and people more efficiently east and west as Saskatoon grows.
Planning is also underway to create rapid transit corridors. Major roadways, like 22nd Street and 8th Street, would have priority bus lanes. Even traffic signals could be aligned to keep buses moving.
"A transit trip along that corridor that would be comparable or perhaps even better than what you could do with a private car," says Totland.
The city says a rapid bus system could work as efficiently as a rail system at a much lower cost.
But it has to make sure people are living, working, and shopping along these main corridors. The city says these streets would become 'urban villages' by adding density to mature neighbourhoods without altering their character.
The goal is that by building within the city's core, commute times will stay the same, and it'll be easier to walk or bike.
Moving around is just one part of the city's ten year strategic plan. But the transportation details decided on now will lay the foundation for the city to grow responsibly.
