Saskatoon administration will be proposing several roadway construction projects to the City’s transportation committee today.

They include a full reconstruction of the intersection at Millar Avenue and 51 Street, active transportation improvements for Millar Avenue from 43rd Street East to Marquis Drive and implementing either an overpass or an underpass where 8th Street meets the CPKC railway crossing.

The Millar Avenue projects intend to turn the corridor into a safer, more accessible, roadway for cyclists, pedestrians and drivers; and is forecast to cost about $6.24 million.

Meanwhile, the estimated cost for construction of an overpass on 8th Street is projected at $54.0M compared to the underpass option estimated at $64.6M.  Access to Wess Road from 8th Street will be permanently closed with both options. Wess Road would continue to be accessible for local access via Taylor Street.

The 8th Street and CPKC rail crossing is adjacent to the Briarwood, East College Park, and Brighton neighbourhoods, and right now is a two-lane undivided roadway. In support of future development in the Holmwood sector the City is planning to expand the 8th Street corridor to six lanes with multi-use pathways.

If approved by committee and council, administration will proceed with the detailed design of the overpass, and the Millar Avenue Project will be shelved until funding is available.