Expect longer trains, and more of them, in Saskatoon this summer

If construction season wasn’t enough to slow Saskatoon drivers, a double-dose of trains will soon be the cause of collective despair for those behind the wheel.

On Wednesday, Canadian National advised the city to expect more train activity along its rail line from the north city limit to the 11th Street-area yard over the next few weeks.

It’ll mean further delays for drivers already hindered by summer construction zones, which also happens to be why train traffic is increasing.  

CN said it’s rerouting five trains per day through the city because of construction on other rail lines outside Saskatoon.

This will double the number of trains on the line each day, which could cause delays from five to 10 minutes at each intersection crossed.

What’s more, CN said the additional trains will be almost twice as long as usual along this line.

The company said city buses might also experience some delays along route 9 and its service to the north industrial area.

The additional trains will travel south, over crossings at the following high-traffic intersections:

• 71st Street
• Marquis Drive
• 51st Street
• 33rd Street
• 11th Street

The trains will slow down as they approach 11th Street to change tracks.  

The company said specific times for these trains are not available.