$54.6 MILLION IN FUNDING FOR HIGHWAYS AND TRANSPORTATION PROJECTS

Released on November 13, 2006

A total of $54.6 million in mid-year funding has been allocated to Highways and Transportation for emergency road repairs, to make advanced preparations for next year's construction season and pay for special projects.

This brings the 2006-07 budget for Highways and Transportation to $400 million, the largest budget in the department's history by $90 million.

"We've added to our base budget to deal with spring flooding damage, to build up aggregate inventory and secure contractor capacity to advance the province's long-term transportation strategy, and to fund special projects under unique circumstances," Highways and Transportation Minister Eldon Lautermilch said. "Our commitment shows clearly that this government is focused on building a better transportation system to foster and align with our growing economy, for the benefit of Saskatchewan families today and for the future of our young people."

The $54.6 million in funding includes $8 million for winter crushing contracts, in addition to the planned winter tender schedule, to ensure the department can deliver an ambitious 2007-08 capital construction and preservation program.

It also includes $3.8 million for public safety repairs resulting from a landslide adjacent to Highway 302.

Construction is nearing completion on the new portion of Highway 302 west of Prince Albert, which was relocated after a landslide adjacent to the Saskatchewan River caused the highway to sink four metres since June 2006.

"Premier Calvert and I have both been to the site of the landslide and have seen first hand why it was so important to build a new road for the safety of the motoring public," Lautermilch said. "I am pleased to see construction wrapping up so quickly, thanks to the dedication of our staff and the hard work of our two contractors on this project."

A 4.3 km stretch of Highway 302 has been relocated 300-400 metres south of the existing highway. Site evaluation, consultations with landowners and municipalities, land acquisition, and survey and design work began this summer, followed by the tendering process. Two grading contractors were hired to ensure rapid completion of the project, with Larry Fehr Construction out of Waldheim, starting work on the east end (a total of 2.1 km) and North American Rock and Dirt out of Prince Albert on the west end (a total of 2.2 km).

Abramyk Construction Inc. of Prince Albert began clearing and grubbing the proposed right of way on September 25, and grading or building up the roadbed in preparation for surfacing began on October 4. A temporary gravel surface is now in place on the east end of the new section, and the west end is approximately 80 per cent complete. The new section of Highway 302 should be open to motorists by the end of November.

Due to the tight timelines of this project, asphalt paving will take place in the 2007 construction season.

-30-

For More Information, Contact:

Doug Wakabayashi Highways and Transportation Regina Phone: 306-787-4804 Email: dwakabayashi@highways.gov.sk.ca