Released on September 17, 2009
Premier Brad Wall joined Highways and Infrastructure Minister Jim Reiter and Swift Current Mayor Sandy Larson today to officially turn the sod as construction begins on the Highway 1 and 4 interchange in Swift Current.
"The province is pleased to provide an estimated $6.5 million toward this project for a safer and more efficient intersection for motorists coming off the Trans Canada and Highway 4 into Swift Current," Wall said. "Swift Current has enjoyed significant growth over the past number of years and we have to invest in infrastructure projects like the interchange to move forward with that growth."
"The province has partnered with the City of Swift Current on this project through the Urban Highway Connector Program," Reiter said. "This program recognizes the challenges and safety concerns associated with growth in our urban centres, and provides funding to improve and maintain urban highway connector routes."
"With robust growth, a municipality often faces challenges with infrastructure such as transportation," Larson said. "We are excited and proud to partner with the Province of Saskatchewan in this regard to meet the transportation needs of the people, their businesses, as well as to improve the safety of the public. Our residents have waited a long time for this much needed improvement and we are anxious to see the construction begin."
Improvements include the widening of Highway 4 from Swift Current Creek to approximately 200 metres north of Saskatchewan Drive. The Saskatchewan Drive intersection is the main access point to the new Swift Current Hospital, as well as commercial developments including Wal Mart and Canadian Tire. In addition, the Highway 1 west-bound and Highway 1 east-bound exit ramps will be moved further apart to create greater separation and an improved level of service to motorists.
Contractor Whitford Construction out of Shipman, Saskatchewan began aggregate and screening operations this week and has moved equipment to the construction site to commence roadway work as early as Friday, Sept. 18. The intention is to complete all roadway work in 2009, weather permitting, with the remainder of the work to be completed in 2010.
Motorists are advised that regular traffic movement will be maintained through the majority of construction; however there will be minor periods of disruption when tie-ins from the old roadways to new roadways are completed. Traffic will be limited to one lane during periods of construction and motorists are advised to slow down and obey flagpersons and signage.
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For more information, contact:
Kirsten Leatherdale
Highways and Infrastructure
Regina
Phone: 306-787-8484
Cell: 306-536-9692
Mac Forster
City of Swift Current
Swift Current
Phone: 306-778-2740