SASKATOON — Station platforms for the Link Bus Rapid Transit have been going as planned, with the project’s completion of the city’s new public transport system to meet the target launch in spring 2028, according to City of Saskatoon Transportation and Construction General Manager Terry Schmidt.
Schmidt said that they expect the construction of the 44 platforms — spread out in new and existing bus stops in the city — to be completed by the end of this construction season, adding that 11 station paths have been completed, six are currently underway, and four will start next week. Six platforms were already completed last year.
“There are also some core areas and in downtown. The Link platform construction projects are spread throughout the city and cover many different streets and areas. They're in duration anywhere from three to six weeks, so I think that's some of the extra activity that we're seeing around, is the construction of the link station platforms,” said Schmidt.
He said that the reason why excavation is involved in the construction of the Link platforms is that it consists of putting utility conduits underneath, which is required for Saskatoon’s new fleet of battery-electric buses. The shelters will be built on top of the station platforms and require communications systems.
“There will be digital display boards in there. There will be on-demand heat in there, irradiant heat in there. There are all kinds of utility requirements for communications, for power, for light, and similar needs. We want to ensure that they have a uniform, smooth concrete surface for use that will be safe,” said Schmidt.
“The tactile strips are also part of that as well to provide that separation between the roadway and the loading station platform. There has been stakeholder engagement and consultation for the Link project for many years. We started back in 2016. Lots of engagement and consultation with businesses, the communities and community organizations.”
He added that after all the consultations and public engagement, they reported back to the committee and the City Council, especially for major projects like the Link BRT, where a lot of pre-planning and stakeholder engagement were conducted to address concerns and other issues before the start of construction.
“Utilities that were no longer required have been removed. Old communication lines have been replaced with newer technology. That is a whole upgrade then, not only that, but they're also being upgraded in a better utility corridor or a better utility cage that will hold them all. That's all being upgraded and improved just as part of the project while we're working on it,” said Schmidt.
