City takes first steps to build 2 new road interchanges

Saskatoon is launching the search for contractors to build two new major interchanges before federal funding has been confirmed.

An urgent report was added to city council's Monday agenda in order to take the first steps in the Highway 16 and Boychuck Drive interchange, and the College Drive and McOrmondDrive interchange.

"We are taking the unusual step of seeking procurement of these projects before the federal government funding has been secured," Mike Gutek, major projects director, said in a release.

"We remain confident this project will be favourably considered by the provincial and federal governments, but timing is becoming a factor."

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City council unanimously voted to proceed with the procurement of the interchanges as a bundled project. They also voted to approve a contingency funding strategy be set up just in case federal funding does not come through.

The City made an application for $29 million to the Building Canada Fund only for the Highway 16 and Boychuk Drive interchange. That money would be split between the provincial and federal governments.

The other interchange is being funded by Dream Developments, a land developer in Saskatchewan.