Released on November 28, 2008
Premier Brad Wall joined Highways and Infrastructure Minister Wayne Elhard and Swift Current Mayor Sandy Larson in announcing $6.5 million worth of improvements to the intersection at Highways 1 and 4 in Swift Current.
"Given the new commercial development in Swift Current and increased oil and gas activity in the region, this project has emerged as a high priority," Wall said. "I have said for some time that the provincial government needs to do more for growth regions of Saskatchewan than cash royalty cheques. We need to invest back into those regions."
Tenders will go out in the spring and work is expected to begin shortly after that. The first phase of construction will be the widening of Highway 4 from Swift Current Creek to a point about 200 metres north of Saskatchewan Drive. The Saskatchewan Drive intersection is the main access to the new Swift Current Hospital and several commercial developments.
"What we're doing is creating a more modern and efficient intersection layout that will vastly improve the efficiency of motorists coming off the Trans Canada and Highway 4 to shop and do business here in Swift Current," Larson said.
Other improvements to the interchange include moving west-bound and east-bound Highway 1 exit ramps further apart.
"We're extremely pleased that Swift Current has joined the Urban Highways Connector Program," Elhard said. "The program determines joint-funding arrangements for highway infrastructure projects in urban municipalities. Because Swift Current has signed on we are now in a position to be offering support and making sure this important project goes forward in the New Year."
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For more information, contact:
Doug Wakabayashi
Highways and Infrastructure
Regina
Phone: 306-787-4804
Cell: 306-536-0049