Released on November 9, 2016
This year’s record $1.15 billion transportation budget translated into significant highway improvements as the main provincial construction season nears completion and preparations begin for the next.
“This was a very busy year in which 1,650 kilometres of Saskatchewan highways were repaved or upgraded,” Highways and Infrastructure Minister David Marit said. “I would like to acknowledge the hard work of roadbuilders, engineers and ministry staff to make this year a success. We know there is more work do and we are pleased to release the fall tender plan, to help crews prepare for another busy construction season.”
The fall tender plan includes more than 45 planned projects and more than 700 kilometres (km) of highway work.
Projects to be tendered include: grading work for twinning on Highway 7 west of Vanscoy to Delisle; grading and paving on Highway 322 north of Silton; bridge work on Highway 1 east of Swift Current, Highway 21 west of Pierceland, and at three locations on Highway 55 near Shoal Lake.
The start dates for the projects will depend on when tenders are awarded, contractor availability and weather.
A fall tender plan allows contractors greater preparation time for more efficient road building. During the main 2016 construction season, about 1,650 km of highways were improved (450 km repaved or receiving major upgrades, 1,200 km of significant maintenance).
Highlights include:
- Highway 16 twinning for 19.5 km east of Saskatoon and west of Bradwell opening to traffic in late October;
- Opening to traffic of 9 km of newly-twinned lanes on Highway 7 between Saskatoon and Vanscoy in mid-October;
- Paving 28 km of Highway 21 between Leader and Etonia;
- Paving 22 km of Highway 27 from its junction with Highway 2 to Vonda;
- Paving 15 km of Highway 36 near Willow Bunch; and
- Clay capping 25 km of Highway 102 north of La Ronge.
Although the main construction season is wrapping up, some work occurs year-round, such as bridge and culvert work, along with gravel stockpiling.
The Government of Saskatchewan has invested $6.3 billion in transportation infrastructure since 2008.
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For more information, contact:
Dan Palmer
Highways and Infrastructure
Regina
Phone: 306-787-4805
Email: dan.palmer@gov.sk.ca