Released on October 7, 2008
A major rebuild of the Highway 39 bridge over the Canadian Pacific Railway tracks east of Estevan will include the use of metakaolin, a concrete strengthening additive being mined and manufactured by Whitemud Resources in south central Saskatchewan.
"Metakaolin is a product that has a direct application for our bridge structures as an additive that enhances the strength and durability of concrete, providing a longer life for these structures," Highways and Infrastructure Minister Wayne Elhard said. "We're excited to get started with this material today on this bridge project."
The concrete bridge deck was poured today with representatives from the Ministry of Highways and Infrastructure, Whitemud Resources and other interested agencies in attendance to observe the material at work.
The Highway 39 bridge is a six-span, reinforced, concrete bridge originally built in 1962, approximately 90 metres (m) long and 8.5 m wide.
Construction began in June to remove the existing asphalt surface, concrete barriers, concrete and corroded steel in the bridge deck. The existing concrete girders will be strengthened to accommodate heavier traffic, the steel and concrete will be replaced in the bridge deck, a new drainage system will be installed and a new asphalt surface will be paved on the bridge deck.
The $2.3 million project will almost completely rebuild the bridge so it can better accommodate the heavy traffic travelling over it - an average of 6,200 vehicles per day including commercial trucks bringing goods in and out of the province.
Traffic has been detoured north onto Kensington Avenue and east onto Escana Street for the duration of the project. This detour route was upgraded by the Ministry of Highways and Infrastructure to accommodate the increased traffic.
Construction on the Highway 39 bridge is expected to be completed by October 31, 2008.
This project is part of the largest bridge and culvert rehabilitation program in Saskatchewan history. The province will invest a record $19.4 million in 36 bridge projects and culvert replacements in the 2008 construction season, which is a $10.5 million increase over last year.
"In order to address our aging infrastructure and ensure we are ready for the growth of our economy and our province, we've planned for more work on our bridges and culverts than ever before," Elhard said. "The Highway 39 bridge at Estevan is one of our major upgrades - it's part of an essential north-south trade route and tourist corridor to Canada through Portal."
For more information on this and other projects and to view the 2008 construction map, go to www.highways.gov.sk.ca. Motorists are reminded to slow to 60 km/h in the construction Orange Zone.
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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