CONSTRUCTION IMPROVEMENTS TO TAKE PLACE ON HIGHWAY 903

Released on June 1, 2007

Highway 903 in northwest Saskatchewan will be improved during the 2007 construction season to better serve the local forestry industry, tourism and area residents.

Highways and Transportation Minister Buckley Belanger, and First Nations and Métis Relations Minister and MLA for Meadow Lake Maynard Sonntag announced today the first stage of a multi-year improvement on the gravel portion of the highway from 56 km north of the Junction with Highway 55 (east of Meadow Lake) to the Keeley Lake Access.

"Transportation is a key enabler of economic development, and that is certainly the case for Highway 903," Belanger said. "This work will stabilize and strengthen the road to ensure a good quality surface, which will help people and communities build brighter futures. It is part of our commitment under the Transportation for Economic Advantage, the province's 10-year, $5 billion commitment to fundamentally realign our transportation network, to help support and grow Saskatchewan's economy."

"Highway 903 serves the forestry industry, the needs of the Flying Dust, Waterhen Lake and Canoe Lake First Nations and contributes to the tourism industry in the resorts of Canoe and Keeley Lakes," Sonntag said. "There are also numerous businesses and groups in the area that rely on Highway 903 to fulfill various interests, and as a route to their hunting and fishing areas. The province has worked in consultation with local stakeholders to form a plan of action that will benefit forestry interests, tourists and local residents alike."

"The Meadow Lake Tribal Council is very pleased to see this work go forward, not only because of our ownership in local forestry firms, but also on behalf of our First Nations members who will have a safer, smoother road to travel," Meadow Lake Tribal Council Chief Helen Ben said. "We are encouraged to see improvements to our roads to help support the existing economy and further new economic development."

Highway 903 turns from pavement to a gravel highway 56 km north of the Junction with Highway 55, east of Meadow Lake. The gravel portion of Highway 903 is built primarily on a base of unstable sand. During inclement weather or periods of heavy log haul, the surface can break and become soft and rutted.

In the 2007 construction season, large aggregate will be used to stabilize the gravel portion of the road from the point the pavement ends to 34 km north at the Keeley Lake Access. In addition, a 10 km section will be further strengthened from the start of the gravel surface north. A 150 mm thick layer of clay material - known as clay cap - will be placed over the existing road surface to stabilize the grade and improve the general ride quality of the road. A layer of gravel will be placed on the completed clay cap. Saskatchewan Highways and Transportation will continue to further strengthen sections each subsequent construction season to the Keeley Lake Access.

The contract for the clay capping project will be up for bid in mid-June with on-road construction expected to be completed by mid-September, weather permitting.

For everyone's safety, motorists are reminded to slow to 60 km in the construction Orange Zone when passing highway workers and equipment. Drivers who are caught speeding in the Orange Zone will face severe fines.

For more information on highway construction and the Transportation for Economic Advantage strategy visit www.highways.gov.sk.ca.

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For more information, contact:

Kirsten Leatherdale
Highways and Transportation
Regina
Phone: 306-787-8484
Cell: 306-536-9692