Released on May 1, 2009
Construction will once again soon be underway on the $2.3 million rebuild of the Highway 39 bridge over the Canadian Pacific Railway tracks east of Estevan.
Although construction will commence under the bridge on May 11, motorists will not experience a traffic disruption until after the May long weekend (May 19) when the detour is back in place and work resumes on the bridge deck.
"The importance of the project is very clear, as this 47-year-old bridge carries an average of 6,200 vehicles per day including commercial trucks bringing goods in and out of the province," Highways and Infrastructure Minister Wayne Elhard said. "It is essential for the safety of motorists and efficiency of Saskatchewan's exports, that the bridge is rebuilt to properly withstand those heavy loads for the long-term."
Work completed last construction season includes 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 remaining includes sealing the concrete traffic barriers, waterproofing the deck and paving a final asphalt surface, which should take approximately four weeks, weather permitting. This work is being carried over from last year's record $20 million bridge and culvert program.
Traffic will be detoured north onto Kensington Avenue and east onto Escana Street for the duration of the project. This detour route has been upgraded by the Ministry of Highways and Infrastructure to accommodate the heavy traffic. The route will be clearly signed for motorists.
"We're making record investments in infrastructure using a strategic plan to address our aging transportation network and to ensure the provincial economy remains strong and steady," Elhard said. "The Highway 39 bridge at Estevan is one of those important upgrades as a north-south trade route and tourist corridor to the U.S. through North Portal."
The Highway 39 bridge is a six-span reinforced concrete bridge originally built in 1962, approximately 90 metres long and 8.5 metres wide.
For more information on this and other projects and to view the Rolling Five-Year Construction Plan and Map, visit www.highways.gov.sk.ca. Motorists are reminded to slow to 60 km/h in the construction Orange Zone.
-30For more information, contact:
Kirsten Leatherdale
Highways and Infrastructure
Regina
Phone: 306-787-8484
Cell: 306-536-9692