Released on May 30, 2011
Motorists Advised to be Alert in Area as Work Continues on Twinning Initiative Between Prince Albert and Saskatoon
Highway 11 twinning between Prince Albert and Saskatoon moved another step forward with 19 km of new northbound lanes opening today from south of Hague to south of Rosthern to help facilitate more related road work.
"I'm pleased to see progress on this multi-year twinning project for Highway 11, a key corridor for tourism, our export-based economy and local commuters," Saskatchewan Highways and Infrastructure Minister Jim Reiter said.
"This project is another example of how the Government of Canada, in partnership with Saskatchewan, is taking action to invest in infrastructure in this region," said Gerry Ritz, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, Minister for the Canadian Wheat Board and Regional Minister for Saskatchewan. "This newly twinned portion of the highway will ensure the safe and more efficient movement of people and goods along this important highway system."
The new 19 km of northbound lanes that opened today stretch from about 1 km south of Hague to nearly 1 km south of Rosthern. Northbound motorists will be able to access Hague from a newly built access road on the north end of Hague. This access was built as part of the twinning project.
Southbound motorists will travel on the existing set of Highway 11 lanes with this set of southbound lanes restricted to a single lane from about 1 km north of Hague to about 1 km south of Hague.
Today is the start of a multi-phase approach that will unfold this construction season to allow for the full opening of new Highway 11 lanes to traffic in the Hague-Rosthern area in 2011. Today's temporary steps allow traffic to be safely accommodated in the area while construction continues on other portions of Highway 11.
"I want to remind motorists to please be cautious, alert and watch for signs directing traffic and speed limits in the area," Reiter said. "I appreciate the patience and inconvenience of all motorists as construction work takes place to improve this part of our transportation system for everyone."
During the 2011 construction season, the ministry also plans to open another 13 km of new lanes from 2.5 km south of Macdowall to northeast of Macdowall. Work on this segment resumed in May.
Highway 11 construction work has also been underway since February from south of Duck Lake to north of Duck Lake and since March from north of Duck Lake to northeast of Macdowall.
The federal and provincial governments are each contributing up to $62 million to accelerate the Highway 11 twining project with the completion date moved forward from 2016 to 2012. This acceleration initiative was previously announced in early 2009.
Federal investment is provided through the Building Canada Fund to support economic growth in Saskatchewan and across Canada. Canada's Economic Action Plan has provided for almost $12 billion in new infrastructure stimulus investment over two years and accelerated the $33-billion Building Canada Plan, addressing the needs in communities across Canada and contributing to long-term economic growth through investments in public infrastructure.
The ministry will advise motorists and the media of other potential impacts on traffic as additional new lanes open on Highway 11 this year.
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For more information, contact:
Dan Palmer
Highways and Infrastructure
Regina
Phone: 306-787-4805
Transport Canada
Media Relations
Ottawa
Phone: 613-993-0055