Released on August 21, 2009
Highways and Infrastructure Minister Jim Reiter, Regina-Qu'Appelle Member of Parliament Andrew Scheer and Regina City Councillor Michael Fougere today officially marked the beginning of construction on the long-awaited $34 million Lewvan and Highway 1 interchange in southwest Regina.
"Safety and growth are the motivating factors behind the construction of this interchange," Reiter said. "Traffic volumes at this location are substantial and will continue to grow as $2 to $3 billion worth of commercial, residential and industrial development takes place in southwest Regina."
"Our government is helping keep our economy moving, creating new jobs and delivering results for the people of Saskatchewan," said Mr. Scheer. "This investment in Highway 1 and Lewvan Drive Interchange is an example of the actions our government is taking to contribute to Saskatchewan's long-term economic growth while continuing to improve the safety of Canada's national highway system."
"The City of Regina is pleased that the Ministry of Highways and Infrastructure is making such an important investment," Councillor Michael Fougere said, on behalf of Mayor Pat Fiacco. "The interchange at Lewvan Drive and Highway 1 will address an ongoing safety concern while providing improved traffic operations in the city's growing southwest sector."
"The timely deployment of this infrastructure spending reinforces the commitment on behalf of the provincial and federal governments to support the economic growth of our communities," said Harvard Developments Inc. Vice President Blair Forster. "This interchange is a key component of a complex transportation network required to lease and develop the 900,000 square feet of retail and amenity space that makes up our Grasslands regional shopping centre."
This project is being funded in partnership by the provincial and federal governments through the Building Canada Fund. The Government of Canada has set aside up to 50 per cent of total eligible project costs, to a maximum federal contribution of $16.05 million, for this project.
The City of Regina supports a variety of transportation projects associated with the Global Transportation Hub and to support growth and safety issues in southwest Regina, which includes the Lewvan Interchange.
Construction activity currently underway includes the moving of utilities (natural gas, electrical and telephone lines) and interim roadways are being built just west of the Lewvan/Highway 1 intersection to provide access onto Highway 1, serving as a temporary intersection for the duration of construction.
Beginning the week of Aug. 31 or earlier, construction will commence on the overpass embankments and two of the ramps. This work will be completed by November 2009. Construction of the bridge structure and remaining ramps will begin in 2010, with continued bridge construction, paving and installation of guardrails, signage and lighting in 2011. The intersection is scheduled to be open to traffic by late fall 2011.
During construction, traffic will be directed onto temporary access roads west of the existing intersection, with the exception of southbound traffic on Lewvan Drive wishing to turn left (east) onto Highway 1. These motorists will be routed down Gordon Road to Albert Street, and can utilize the Albert Street interchange to access Highway 1. Heavy truck traffic will not be routed down Gordon Road, but will instead be required to take alternate routes (see attached map).
Motorists will be required to slow to 60 km through the construction Orange Zone when passing highway workers and equipment.
The Government of Canada's Economic Action Plan is speeding up and expanding the existing federal investment of $33 billion in infrastructure across Canada. Almost $12 billion has been added over two years to stimulate the creation of infrastructure projects.
For more information on this project go to www.highways.gov.sk.ca.
For more information on Canada's Economic Action Plan, visit www.actionplan.gc.ca/
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For more information, contact:
Kirsten Leatherdale
Highways and Infrastructure
Regina
Phone: 306-787-8484
Cell: 306-536-9692
Chris Hilton
Office of Minister of State (Transport),
Ottawa
Phone: 613-991-0700
Cell: 204-791-2411
Kaeli Madill
City of Regina
Regina
Phone: 306-777-7486