Released on June 10, 2013
Construction on Highway 27 is underway once again as work continues to rebuild this highway to improve safety and allow local shippers to carry heavier loads.
“Highway 27 is in the process of being transformed from a rough and pothole-filled gravel surface to primary weight pavement,” Highways and Infrastructure Minister Don McMorris said. “This newly rebuilt highway will better meet the needs of all motorists in the area by providing a safer, smoother surface, and carrying the heavy loads required by local businesses.”
“Highway 27 is an important east-west corridor used by area residents and businesses alike to access Highway 2 and Highway 41,” Crown Investments Corporation Minister and Humboldt MLA Donna Harpauer said. “This will be a major improvement for our region.”
Grading is complete from Highway 2 to Prud’homme and underway from Prud’homme to Vonda. Work on that section should be complete by late summer 2013, depending on weather and contractor progress. Paving from Highway 2 to Vonda will follow with an estimated completion date of summer 2014.
Once the last section from Vonda to the Junction of Highway 41 at Aberdeen is rebuilt, it will complete the entire Highway 27 corridor – approximately 34 kilometres - at an estimated cost of $28 million.
"Upon completion, the upgrades to Highway 27 will provide for safer travel, reduced travel times and vehicle operating costs for both individuals and businesses alike,” Highline Manufacturing General Manager Blair Miller said. “Businesses in the area look forward to improved highway access allowing them to more effectively participate in the employment of local individuals and those who commute to our area, removing hurdles in the form of heavy load restrictions and increased freight costs."
This substantial upgrade will allow shippers to haul primary weights, the heaviest weights that trucks can legally haul on provincial highways. The ability to access primary weights results in a 15 to 50 percent increase in load capacity for shippers depending on truck configuration.
All motorists are reminded they must slow to 60 km/hr in highway work zones. New simplified signage will direct 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, slow to 60 km/hr.
The government of Saskatchewan has invested a record $3.7 billion in transportation infrastructure since 2008.
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For more information, contact:
Doug Wakabayashi
Highways and Infrastructure
Regina
Phone: 306-787-4804