Released on July 13, 2009
Southeast Saskatchewan will benefit from an estimated $55 million worth of highway and bridge improvements in the 2009-10 construction season as motorists see an unprecedented amount of work taking place in the province.
"By improving the transportation network in southeast Saskatchewan and increasing access to important primary weight corridors, we're supporting the economic development of this region now and into the future," Highways and Infrastructure Minister Jim Reiter said.
The province is investing $17 million in the rebuilding of Highway 8 from Storthoaks north to Fairlight, a total of 47.3 km. This upgrade is being completed in three sections: Storthoaks to south of Redvers is complete; Redvers to 18.3 km north is underway and expected to be completed in July; and construction on the section from 18.3 km north to Fairlight is underway with a final project completion goal of fall 2009.
"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," Reiter said.
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 $6.6 million. Work on this project was largely completed in 2008 with a second seal coat to be finished by the end of July. This will complete the upgrading of the Highway 48 corridor from the Manitoba border to Highway 9, in partnership with local municipalities.
Other projects in southeast Saskatchewan include:
Highway 1 - Resurfacing is taking place on the eastbound lanes of Highway 1 east and west of Moosomin, and west of Whitewood, while paving is also taking place on old Highway 1 through Moosomin, for a total of 34 km. This work is scheduled to be underway in mid-August and expected to be complete by the end of September. This work is valued at $3.9 million.
Highway 13 -Resurfacing has been completed or is underway from Carlyle to Wauchope, west of Redvers, and from Forget to Stoughton. Construction from Carlyle to Wauchope and west of Redvers is complete and construction between Forget and Stoughton is underway and expected to be complete by the end of July. This is a total of 55 km of resurfacing on Highway 13 valued at $8.3 million.
Highway 18 - Resurfacing from Glen Ewen to Oxbow, a total of 15.7 km is expected to be underway in late summer 2009. The project will be tendered in July subject to necessary environmental approvals.
Highways 33 and 35 - Resurfacing is underway on a total of 21 km, from northwest of Sedley to Francis on Highway 33, and 1 km north of Francis to 3 km south of Francis on Highway 35. Construction is expected to be complete by the end of July. This project is valued at $4 million.
Highway 39 bridge rehabilitation - A major rehabilitation of the Highway 39 bridge over the Canadian Pacific Railway tracks east of Estevan was completed June 4. This $2.3 million project rebuilt the 47-year-old bridge so it can better accommodate the 6,200 vehicles crossing the bridge on average per day. Work completed during the 2008 season included removal of the existing asphalt surface, concrete barriers and concrete and corroded steel in the bridge deck. The existing concrete girders have been strengthened to accommodate heavier traffic, the steel and concrete has been replaced in the bridge deck and a new drainage system has been installed. Work completed May 11-June 4, 2009 included application of a concrete sealer and protective coating to the traffic barriers, waterproofing the deck and paving a final asphalt surface.
Highway 39 - Resurfacing will be underway from Lang to southeast of Milestone, a total of 12.8 km, in September with a late fall completion. This project is valued at $3.8 million.
Highway 47 - A total of 33 km of strengthening is underway from the Junction of Highways 47 and 361 to Stoughton. The resurfacing of this highway will accommodate heavy truck traffic to support the local agriculture and oil sector, as part of a provincial expansion of primary weight corridors implemented July 1, 2009. Construction is expected to be complete by the end of July. This project is valued at $7 million.
Motorists are reminded to slow to 60 km per hour through construction Orange Zones when passing highway workers and equipment. 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