GOVERNMENT CONTINUES TO MAKE HIGHWAYS AND INFRASTRUCTURE A PRIORITY

Released on March 21, 2012

The Provincial Government Will Continue to Repair and Improve Saskatchewan's Highway System

This year's Ministry of Highways and Infrastructure budget is $581.5 million, a 4.5 per cent increase over last year, and includes $275.3 million for capital construction. This investment will see an estimated 1,200 kilometres of provincial highways improved.

"This year's fiscally responsible budget continues to make highways investment a priority, and it sets us on track to fulfill our campaign promise of investing $2.2 billion over four years," Highways and Infrastructure Minister Jim Reiter said. "In the coming year, we will continue to rebuild our aging highways while, at the same time, making important new investments that support our thriving economy and accommodate our growing population."

Highlights of the Highways and Infrastructure budget include:

• $207.8 million to maintain and repair provincial highways, including 320 kilometres of repaving;
• $70.5 million to upgrade rural highways, including:
  • 150 kilometres of primary weight upgrades; and
  • $10.3 million to upgrade community and tourism access roads;
• $38.5 million to repair and replace bridges and culverts;
• $18 million for flood repair work;
• $36.2 million for continued work on the West Regina Bypass including continued work on the interchange at Highway 1 and grading new lanes from Highway 1 to Dewdney Ave.;
• $20.7 million for continued work on the new St. Louis Bridge;
• $10.0 million to start work on the Estevan Truck Route;
• $6.3 million to complete the twinning of Highway 11 between Saskatoon and Prince Albert; and
• $3 million in this year's budget to begin the design and aggregate work for a passing lane initiative on Highway 10.

"We will continue to provide significant financial support to urban and rural municipalities to improve municipal transportation infrastructure," Reiter said. "Investing in highways and infrastructure is a key part of the Saskatchewan Advantage and our government will continue working hard to keep improving Saskatchewan highways."

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For more information, contact:

Doug Wakabayashi
Highways and Infrastructure
Regina
Phone: 306-787-4804
Email: doug.wakabayashi@gov.sk.ca