Released on December 9, 2010
Four-lane traffic has resumed on the Trans-Canada Highway near Maple Creek, marking another step in the province's recovery from this summer's flooding.
"Besides its obvious importance to commerce and tourism, as one of the world's longest national highways, the Trans-Canada is an important symbol," Highways and Infrastructure Minister Jim Reiter said. "We are pleased to restore four lane service with the co-ordinated efforts of ministry staff, consulting engineers and contractors."
Work to rebuild the west bound lanes began in September and involved excavation, the construction of a new arch culvert, backfill around the culvert and grading and initial paving. This work will allow the highway to operate as four lanes over the winter months. Approximately 4,400 vehicles per day travel on this section of Highway 1.
In the 2011 construction season, the ministry will complete the final paving of the west bound lanes and the reconstruction of the east bound lane, including extending the new culvert through those lanes. This work will require the highway to revert to two-lane traffic during construction. The total cost for the long-term repairs to both the east and westbound lanes is estimated at approximately $10 million.
"We are not done yet, but our government, ministry staff, consultants and contractors have worked to ensure traffic can operate safely on four lanes over the winter," Reiter said.
About 175 m of the west bound lanes and 75 m of the east bound passing lanes were destroyed during a massive flood on June 19. Another 200 m of the westbound lanes were severely damaged. Once the water receded on June 21, a massive effort began to make temporary repairs to the eastbound lanes. Through the combined efforts of ministry staff and contractors, these repairs were completed and Highway 1 was reopened on June 26, only a week after the flood.
"Our province experienced unprecedented flooding this summer, and our government has been doing everything possible to help the people of Saskatchewan rebuild their lives and communities," Reiter said. "This achievement is another example of that commitment."
-30-
For more information, contact:
Doug Wakabayashi
Highways and Infrastructure
Regina
Phone: 306-787-4804
Email: doug.wakabayashi@gov.sk.ca
Cell: 306-536-0049