Released on November 20, 2013
As fall turns to winter, one part of the Ministry of Highways and Infrastructure’s work draws to an end while another is just ramping up.
Another successful construction season saw 464 km of provincial highways improved across Saskatchewan.
“Since 2008, we’ve invested $3.7 billion to give the people of Saskatchewan better, safer roads and to move our products to market more efficiently,” Minister of Highways and Infrastructure Don McMorris said. “Transportation is key to achieving the objectives of the Saskatchewan Plan for Growth and our vision of a province with a population of 1.2 million people by 2020.”
Highlights of this year’s construction season include the completion of twinning between Saskatoon and Prince Albert and the opening of the new overpass at Highway 1 and the West Regina Bypass, 310 km of repaving, 154 km of major highway upgrades and 22 bridge and culvert projects. In addition, work will continue on a number of projects in the 2014 construction season, including the West Regina Bypass, the Estevan Truck Route, final paving of the new passing lanes between Balgonie and Fort Qu’Appelle, 156 km of repaving projects, 21 bridge and culvert projects and 217 km of major highway upgrades.
The ministry is also getting a head start on next year’s construction with the recent release of the Fall Tender Plan. The tender plan contains 35 bridge and culvert projects, 83 km of major highway upgrades and 68 km of repaving, as well stockpiling and other work with a total estimated value of more than $120 million. The tender plan is available at www.highways.gov.sk.ca/tender/.
This year’s construction season also marked the first full construction season of increased speed enforcement in work zones. A total of 1,717 tickets for speeding in work zones were issued under the new photo enforcement system between August 13 and November 8, including 31 for speeds in excess of 100 km/hr.
With most construction coming to a close, the Ministry of Highways and Infrastructure’s attention now turns to winter maintenance.
The Saskatchewan Ministry of Highways and Infrastructure has 85 winter maintenance sections located throughout the province and operates a fleet of more than 300 snow plow. Crews are available to respond to weather events day or night. On the busiest highways, snow removal begins as soon as practical or after three centimetres has accumulated with goal of having snow cleared from the driving lanes within six hours of the end of a storm. Ice is treated, or assessed for treatment within six hours of the end of the storm.
“Last year’s record snowfall highlighted the challenges involved in treating snow and ice in the winter months,” McMorris said. “Saskatchewan motorists can be confident in the fact that we have a dedicated team of men and women who are ready to respond to the challenges that nature throws our way.”
As in previous years, the ministry offers ride-alongs on ministry snow plows upon request. Ride-alongs can be arranged by contacting the Communications Branch.
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For more information, contact:
Doug Wakabayashi
Highways and Infrastructure
Regina
Phone: 306-787-4806