Home / Disasters and Accidents / Saskatoon Traffic Nightmare: Hospital Access Grinds to a Halt
Saskatoon Traffic Nightmare: Hospital Access Grinds to a Halt
12 Sep
Summary
- University of Saskatchewan classes resuming caused severe traffic congestion.
- A critical care nurse reported a 90-minute exit from the hospital parkade.
- City acknowledges traffic plan issues, working with health authority on solutions.
Traffic conditions in Saskatoon have improved but the city acknowledges its plan for the start of the university school year was not ideal. The resumption of University of Saskatchewan classes last Wednesday, combined with a bridge closure and construction on College Drive, led to substantial congestion around Royal University Hospital (RUH).
For some hospital staff, the delays posed serious concerns beyond driver frustration. A critical care cardiac nurse reported being caught in traffic backups for extended periods, citing a 90-minute escape from the RUH parkade and a two-hour journey home. She expressed unprecedented concern about how such congestion could impact access to care, especially for critical events.
The City of Saskatoon has admitted that its traffic management plan was more effective on paper than in reality. They are actively monitoring the situation and making adjustments. The Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) is collaborating with the city to implement traffic flow measures, emphasizing the need for priority access for emergency services and hospital personnel.
As additional lanes reopen, the city urges drivers to use alternate routes. Some traffic restrictions are expected to persist through the fall. The University of Saskatchewan has asked for patience as infrastructure work continues, noting that these projects will offer long-term benefits to campus accessibility and transportation.
