Released on June 30, 2011
About 48 km Remain to be Twinned Between Saskatoon and Prince Albert
A milestone was marked today in the ongoing Highway 11 twinning initiative between Saskatoon and Prince Albert. Approximately 26 kilometres (km) of newly twinned northbound and southbound lanes from south of Hague to north of Rosthern are now fully open to traffic in time for Canada Day weekend travel.
"The opening of this segment of newly twinned lanes on Highway 11 is good news for commuters and the local economy," said Gerry Ritz, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, Minister for the Canadian Wheat Board and Regional Minister for Saskatchewan. "The Government of Canada is pleased to be working with the Province of Saskatchewan on this project that will keep people and goods moving across the province."
"It's great to see another segment reach this point as we continue on this multi-year project to improve Saskatchewan's highway system for all who use it each and every day," Highway and Infrastructure Minister Jim Reiter said.
This 26 km twinned segment of Highway 11 stretches from about one km south of Hague to about five km north of Rosthern and also includes completely integrated access roads to both communities.
Following today's opening, about 48 km remain to be twinned on Highway 11 between Prince Albert and Saskatoon. Work to finish twinning between these two cities has been underway since February from south of Duck Lake to north of Duck Lake, since March from north of Duck Lake to south of Macdowall and during the last two construction seasons from south of Macdowall to northeast of Macdowall.
The federal and provincial governments are each contributing up to $62 million to accelerate the Highway 11 twinning project with the completion date moved forward from 2016 to 2012. Federal investment is provided through the Building Canada Fund to support economic growth in Saskatchewan and across Canada.
The ministry will advise motorists and media as additional new lanes open on Highway 11 and reminds all drivers to be cautious and alert when approaching any construction areas or transitioning from four-lane to two-lane travel.
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For more information, contact:
Vanessa Schneider
Director of Communications
Ottawa
Phone: 613-991-0700
Dan Palmer
Highways and Infrastructure
Regina
Phone: 306-787-4805
Media Relations
Transport Canada
Ottawa
Phone: 613-993-0055