Released on December 30, 2014
Like many others at this time of year, the Ministry of Highways and Infrastructure is reflecting on the challenges and successes of another year gone.
“Our government recognizes the importance of safe and efficient highways to the people of the province,” Highways and Infrastructure Minister Nancy Heppner said. “A solid transportation system is the foundation of our plan to grow Saskatchewan’s economy and improve the quality of life for all our citizens.”
The Ministry of Highways and Infrastructure’s work in 2014 focused on improving the condition and sustainability of Saskatchewan’s 26,000 km highway system. The ministry also started, completed and continued the planning for a number of major projects that support the province’s continued population growth. And once again, ministry crews responded to extreme weather and natural disasters.
Highlights of 2014 include:
- Building and Maintaining Saskatchewan’s Highways – more than 430 km of major highway upgrades, 425 km of repaving, 38 bridge projects and 323 culvert projects were completed or underway in 2014.
- Ministry crews were challenged to maintain Saskatchewan’s highways during one of the worst winters on record.
- Flooding - serious flooding hit large parts of central, east central and southeastern Saskatchewan in early July. Roads and bridges were washed away and as many as 25 sections of highway were closed during the worst of the flooding.
- Attracting federal funding – over the next few years, federal funding announced in 2014 will see more than $225 million go toward projects that reduce congestion and improve safety on some of our busiest highways including Highway 7, Highway 16 and the Regina Bypass.
- St. Louis Bridge - the new St. Louis Bridge opened to traffic in October, creating a 683 km primary weight corridor from Assiniboia to La Ronge.
More information and photos of these highlights are available at www.highways.gov.sk.ca/2014PhotoGallery.
“I also want to thank the people of Saskatchewan for their patience and understanding through things like flood repairs and traffic delays associated with road work and construction,” Heppner said.
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For more information, contact:
Joel Cherry
Highways and Infrastructure
Regina
Phone: 306-7874805
Email: joel.cherry@gov.sk.ca