Released on July 25, 2008
Construction on a $7.7 million upgrade to Highway 37 in southwest Saskatchewan is underway this week.
The project will involve upgrading the highway from thin membrane surface to pavement to continue work on this primary weight corridor to the U.S.
"The transportation network in southwest Saskatchewan has been underserved for years," Highways and Infrastructure Minister Wayne Elhard said. "We have vibrant energy, manufacturing, agriculture, and tourism sectors in the region that rely on quality transportation links - and this government will be providing those essential corridors to keep the southwest economy moving and growing, and to provide better and safer highways for local residents."
This construction season grading and paving is taking place on Highway 37 from Climax to south of the Frenchman River for a length of 12.8 km (kilometres). Construction is underway now and will be completed in 2009. The project is valued at $7.7 million.
An additional $16.4 million is being invested in southwest Saskatchewan this construction season including:
Highway 1 - Repaving, from the Junction of Highway 19 to east of Herbert (east bound lanes) for a length of 15.1 km. This project was completed May 24, 2008 at a cost of $3.1 million.
Highway 1 - Repaving, west of Gull Lake west for a total of 4.9 km. This project was completed May 12, 2008 at a cost of $2.1 million.
Highway 1 - Repaving, east of Maple Creek (west bound lanes) for a total of 11.9 km and repaving, from the Junction of Highway 21 west (eastbound lanes) for a total of 18.8 km. This project will be underway August 15, subject to weather and contractor progress, at a cost of $4.9 million.
Highway 4 - Repaving north of Cadillac for a total of 26.3 km. This project was completed on May 23 at a cost of $2.9 million.
Highway 32 - Surfacing southeast to northwest of Cabri for a total length of 14.2 km. Construction began May 6 and was completed June 6 at a cost of $3.4 million.
Highway 32 - Grading and paving west of Shackleton to Lancer for a length of 20.94 km. This thin membrane surface (TMS) highway will be upgraded to pavement, with a construction start date determined when environmental approvals are complete and a contractor is in place.
"We will continue to work closely with the Southwest Area Transportation Planning Committee to evaluate the best course of action for the transportation network in this corner of the province," Elhard said. "Their recently completed transportation study will be a valuable tool in helping us define priorities."
For more information on this and other projects throughout the province, go to www.highways.gov.sk.ca. Motorists are reminded to slow to 60 km/h through the construction Orange Zone when passing highway workers and equipment.
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For more information, contact:
Kirsten Leatherdale
Highways and Infrastructure
Regina
Phone: 306-787-8484
Cell: 306-536-9692