Released on November 5, 2010
The transformation of Highway 32 in southwest Saskatchewan from a pothole-riddled road to a smooth and sturdy highway is complete, following the wrap up of construction on the 56 km improvement project between Shackleton and Prelate.
Highways and Infrastructure Minister Jim Reiter and Cypress Hills MLA Wayne Elhard were in Lancer today to mark the completion of the $31.8 million project with a ribbon cutting ceremony that included local highway users.
"Highway 32 was neglected for decades and gradually deteriorated to the point that local residents and the area ambulance could barely make it down the road safely," Reiter said. "With the help of my predecessor Wayne Elhard and our federal funding partner, this highway was rebuilt to meet the needs of motorists as well as the region's tourism, agriculture and natural gas sectors."
"The Government of Canada was proud to partner with the Government of Saskatchewan to fund this critical highway project, as Highway 32 supports the economic growth and development of the local economy," said Cypress Hills-Grasslands MP David Anderson, on behalf of Rob Merrifield, Minister of State (Transport). "Rebuilding Highway 32 will also improve the efficiency of the transportation network and increase community safety."
"I commend the residents of this region for their hard work, passion and creativity to raise awareness about the state of this highway," Elhard said. "Local highway users made their needs very clear - they needed a highway that was safe, smooth and strong enough to meet their transportation needs and support regional economic development. I'm thrilled to see they finally got the highway they deserve."
Highway 32 from Prelate to 4 km northwest of Shackleton was rebuilt from a thin membrane surface (TMS) road with a dirt base and thin asphalt overlay to a structurally sound paved highway with a base of earth, sand and graded granular material topped by asphalt concrete. This allowed for this section of highway to be capable of carrying primary weights, the highest legal weight at which shippers can transport goods on the highway network. Construction began on May 4, 2009 and was completed on October 13, 2010. The project was divided into three sections and the work was completed by W.F. Botkin Construction and Kowal Construction Alta. Ltd.
In addition to this work, repaving took place on Highway 32 from the Junction of Highway 1 to southeast of Cabri, using crumb rubber asphalt made from recycled tires. This work was completed in the 2009 construction season.
The total cost of all work completed on Highway 32 was $44.4 million. Under the Infrastructure Stimulus Fund, the federal government provided $10.98 million toward these projects.
-30-
For more information, contact:
Kirsten Leatherdale
Highways and Infrastructure
Regina
Phone: 306-787-8484
Email: kirsten.leatherdale@gov.sk.ca
Cell: 306-536-9692