Released on September 11, 2008
Highways and Infrastructure Minister Wayne Elhard was in Redvers and Estevan today to provide an update on the $36.2 million worth of highway and bridge construction projects taking place in southeast Saskatchewan in 2008-09 and to speak to future infrastructure plans for the region.
"Southeast Saskatchewan is one of the most vigorous economic regions in our province, with one of the hottest oil plays in North America, the Bakken formation, drawing record shattering investment to the region," Elhard said. "We are committed to support the southeast now and into the future to ensure economic growth is sustained for the long term, and one of the best ways to do that is to upgrade and improve the transportation network."
The province is investing $17 million in the rebuilding of Highway 8 from Storthoaks north to Fairlight, a total of 47.3 kilometre (km). This upgrade is being completed in three sections: Storthoaks to south of Redvers is complete; construction is ongoing from Redvers to 18.3 km north; and construction on the section from 18.3 km north to Fairlight will be carried over into next season with a final project completion goal of fall 2009.
"Residents of southeast Saskatchewan have been waiting a long time to see this highway completed, which is why we've invested a portion of the proceeds from the sale of the New Grade Upgrader toward this specific project," Elhard said. "We want to ensure the proper resources are in place to accelerate and complete this work."
The Highway 8 corridor provides an important north-south connection to Highways 13 and 48 in the region and a link to Highway 1 and 16 on the national highway system.
In addition, 22 kilometres of Highway 48 is being rebuilt from the Junction of Highway 9 to 5 km east of Wawota, at a cost of $5.7 million. Work on this project is nearing completion for 2008 with a second seal coat expected to be completed in the summer of 2009.
Other projects in southeast Saskatchewan include:
Highway 8 between Fairlight and Moosomin - microsurface and seal coat treatment has been completed and a bridge will be replaced with a culvert south of Fairlight at a cost of $1.9 million.
Highway 13 - Resurfacing will take place from Carlyle to Wauchope, and a microsurface and seal coat treatment has been applied from Redvers to the Manitoba border, at a total estimated cost of $6.9 million. The majority of the resurfacing work will be completed in the 2009 construction season.
Highway 35 - The remaining 4.8 km of thin membrane surface has been upgraded to pavement, completing this paved corridor from Weyburn to the U.S. border, at a cost of $630,000.
Highway 39 - the Ministry cost-shared the upgrading of the Highway 39 (Fourth Street) connector through Estevan with the City of Estevan and federal government, with each partner contributing $1 million. This project is now complete.
Highway 39 - A seal coat treatment is being applied from Estevan to Midale for a total of 28 km. This project will be completed in the 2008 construction season at a cost of $800,000.
Highway 39 - A major rehabilitation of the Highway 39 bridge over the Canadian Pacific Railway tracks east of Estevan is ongoing. This $2.3 million project will almost completely rebuild the bridge so it can better accommodate the 6,200 vehicles crossing the bridge on average per day. Work is 65 per cent complete and should be wrapped up by late October.
Motorists are reminded to slow to 60 km/h through construction Orange Zones for their own safety and the safety of workers. For more information on these and other projects go to www.highways.gov.sk.ca.
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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