Released on February 28, 2008
Highways and Infrastructure Minister Wayne Elhard had plenty of optimism about the Yorkton economy while celebrating today's official opening of a new commercial vehicle inspection station.
"This city has attracted the attention and investment dollars of two huge companies planning to build canola crushing plants here," Elhard said. "With its well-developed network of highways and two major rail lines that link to export markets, the Yorkton advantage is clear. We want to ensure the current economic momentum continues both here in Yorkton and the province as a whole. One of the best ways to do that is to improve and maintain transportation infrastructure so critical for economic development."
Discussions are currently underway with the two canola plant proponents about enhancing transportation infrastructure in the region. The Minister spent a busy day in Yorkton with community officials to discuss infrastructure needs and priorities.
A final stop-over for the Minister was to cut the ribbon on a new $556,000 commercial vehicle inspection station, responsible for weighing and inspecting more than 11,000 commercial vehicles on an annual basis, from haulers of dangerous goods to livestock carriers.
"Our Transport Compliance officers help prevent accidents and protect our roads by ensuring commercial vehicles move safely across Saskatchewan," Elhard said. "This new facility will go a long way to making sure our employees have the right tools to carry out their enforcement activities."
Transport Compliance Officers enforce laws pertaining to commercial vehicle registration, driver's licensing, load security, dangerous goods, speeding, mechanical fitness and hours of service. They help ensure bridges and highway structures are protected from overweight and oversized vehicles.
The new facility replaces the former 1950s facility and has a number of improvements, including the elevation of the inspection station which allows officers to speak to drivers at eye-level. Up to 60 trucks pass through the inspection station during a shift. The facility has four permanent staff and also serves as a worksite for staff from Wynyard and Hudson Bay.
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For more information, contact:
Kirsten Leatherdale
Highways and Infrastructure
Regina
Phone: 306-787-8484
Email: kleatherdale@highways.gov.sk.ca
Cell: 306-536-9692