Released on November 6, 2014
The Ministry of Highways and Infrastructure is concluding the 2014 construction season. In total, 837 km of provincial highways were improved across Saskatchewan.
”We continue to build the infrastructure that meets the challenges of our growing economy,” Highways and Infrastructure Minister Nancy Heppner said. “We will continue to make sure the residents of Saskatchewan have a safe and reliable highway system.”
Highlights of this year’s construction season include the completion of the new St. Louis Bridge, work on twinning lanes from Saskatoon to west of Clavet and passing lanes between Delisle and Rosetown. There was completion of re-paving on Highway 46. Also, there were rural highway upgrades on Highway 42 from Marquis to Eyebrow, Highway 43 from the junction of Highway 2 to Gravelbourg and Highway 51 from west of Kerrobert to Major.
In addition, work will continue on a number of projects into the 2015 construction season. Included are the West Regina Bypass, 179 km of repaving projects, 230 bridge and culvert projects and 182 km of major highway upgrades.
While paving projects are wrapping up, some work continues year round. Over the winter, bridge work benefits from the cold weather. Freeze up allows for structures to be placed directly on the ice, providing a cost-effective way to do the work. Drivers are reminded to watch for workers and to slow to 60 km/hr in work zones.
As one construction season winds down, the Ministry of Highways and Infrastructure is already looking ahead to 2015. The Fall Tender Plan has been released with more than $200 million worth of highway projects.
“Planning and preparation is key when it comes to fixing Saskatchewan’s 26,000 kilometres of highways,” Heppner said. “Early release of tender plans allows contractors to get ready for the next season, and the ministry to schedule projects accordingly.”
Leading up to the 2015 construction season additional tender plans will be released, with all work subject to finalization of the 2015-16 provincial budget.
Since 2008, the government has invested $4.3 billion dollars in transportation infrastructure.
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For more information, contact:
Mark Rathwell
Highways and Infrastructure
Regina
Phone: 306-787-8484
Email: mark.rathwell@gov.sk.ca