North Commuter Parkway celebration held today

There's some good news coming for people who live in Saskatoon's new northern neighbourhoods.

The City of Saskatoon heldspecial event this afternoon to celebrate the start of the construction of the Bridging to Tomorrow project.

The project includes the North Commuter Parkway, as well as the replacement for the Traffic Bridge.

The North Commuter Parkway is designed to ease traffic problems on Circle Drive and Attridge Drive. Right now, people who live in neighbourhoods like Evergreen and Silverspring are forced to use Circle Drive. The new bridge should divert traffic.

"Both the Parkway and the new Traffic Bridge will shorten commute times, cut fuel costs, offer more transportation options for cyclists and pedestrians, and help grow the economyall of which improve our quality of life," Mayor Don Atchison said in a mediarelease.

The federal government will be investing up to 25 per cent of eligible costs while the province will contribute $50 million to the project.

"Investing in infrastructure is vital to creating middle class jobs today and sustained economic growth for years to come," Public Safety Minister Ralph Goodale said of the project in an emailedrelease.

"The progress of this project marks an important milestone," he said.

Goodale also said the project shows "thebenefit of partnering with the private sector to deliver projects such as the North Commuter Parkway and new Traffic Bridge to help build resilient and inclusive communities."

Officials from the provincial government were there, as was the project's managing company, Graham Commuter Partners.

The company will build the new bridges and maintain them for the next 30 years under a P3 partnership.

"We're pleased to be a partner in the development of this historic infrastructure project, and to be continuing our long-term relationship as a valued service provider to the City of Saskatoon," John Connolly, GCP senior vice president ofinfrastructure,said in a media release.

The projects are expected to be finished by 2018.