Released on August 1, 2013
An important east-west corridor connecting Prince Albert and North Battleford has seen $6.6 million in improvements now that construction work has wrapped up on Highway 40 near Shellbrook.
About 14 km of repaving work is now complete southwest of the Junction of Highways 3 and 40, just west of Shellbrook. The work, undertaken by Anderson Rental and Paving Ltd., was part of the government’s planned summer maintenance for the area.
“Safe, high-quality driving surfaces are a necessity to the economic growth of local businesses and enterprise,” Rosthern-Shellbrook MLA Scott Moe said on behalf of Highways and Infrastructure Minister Don McMorris. “Thanks to these repairs, residents as well as industries ranging from agriculture to mining will now have a safer highway in order to haul freight back and forth between northern Saskatchewan and destinations across Western Canada.”
The repaved stretch of Highway 40 carries over 1,400 vehicles and 200 trucks per day. As part of the improvements, the intersection was widened at Shellbrook and a new left-hand turn lane was installed.
“We’re pleased the Ministry was able to include the much needed turning lane at the intersection of Highway 3 and 5th Street East with this project. This will greatly improve the safety of those accessing our community,” Shellbrook Mayor George Tomporowski said. “Highway 40 is a vital link for Shellbrook residents and the surrounding region to access the many services available in Saskatoon including specialized medical treatment, international air travel and industrial supplies. Highway 40 is also the route used by suppliers to get their goods and services to our community so the transportation improvements are most welcome.”
All motorists are reminded they must slow to 60 km/hr in highway work zones. New black and white signs will tell drivers exactly when to slow to 60 km/hr. Drivers now face three times the normal fines for speeding and heavier enforcement in work zones. For your safety and the safety of workers, please obey the law in work zones.
The government has invested a record $3.7 billion in transportation infrastructure since 2008.
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For more information, contact:
Lynette Piper
Highways and Infrastructure
Regina
Phone: 306-798-2116