Released on August 20, 2013
Tourists, shippers and other motorists in northwestern Saskatchewan will have a smoother, safer ride as 26 km of construction wraps up on Highway 55 near the Alberta border.
The $18.2-million project included grading and paving of the highway from the border to about 10 km east of Pierceland. Construction of the road surface is complete, while some clean-up work is expected to take place during the next few weeks.
“This is an important step in our plan to create a primary weight corridor across northern Saskatchewan from Alberta to Manitoba,” Highways and Infrastructure Minister Don McMorris said. “Highway 55 is the most direct passage from the Alberta oil sands into Saskatchewan, and supports regional industries such as forestry and mining. These upgrades mean shippers will have a much safer and more efficient route.”
Highway 55 is also an important tourism corridor, carrying campers, anglers and backpackers from Saskatchewan and beyond to Meadow Lake Provincial Park each year. With more than 350,000 visitors annually, Meadow Lake Provincial Park is among the largest and most popular parks in Saskatchewan.
Construction continues on Highway 55 near Peerless, with completion of the work targeted for fall 2014. The $29.5-million project includes 27.5 km of grading and paving. Together, the Highway 55 projects will complete a nine-month primary weight corridor through northwestern Saskatchewan. Primary weight designation means a road can carry the heaviest weights allowed on Saskatchewan highways.
All motorists are reminded they must slow to 60 km/h in highway work zones. New simplified signage will direct drivers exactly when to slow to 60 km/h. Drivers now face three times the normal fines for speeding and heavier enforcement 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:
Joel Cherry
Highways and Infrastructure
Regina
Phone: 306-787-4805