Released on March 31, 2015
The Government of Saskatchewan has agreed to provide $1,225,000 for significant repairs to Prince Albert’s Diefenbaker Bridge.“The Diefenbaker Bridge serves as a gateway to northern Saskatchewan and is a shared priority for both the city and province,” Highways and Infrastructure Minister Nancy Heppner said. “We’re happy to partner with the city to ensure the bridge carries traffic safely for years to come.”
Repairs to the concrete barriers, splash guards and guard rails for the northbound and southbound driving lanes, as well as the pedestrian walkways on both sides of the bridge will be funded by the agreement.
The Ministry of Highways and Infrastructure will fund 100 per cent of the project, while the city is responsible for all aspects of project management. With the funding announced today the provincial government has provided Prince Albert with approximately $5 million for Diefenbaker Bridge projects since 2011.
This includes emergency repairs in 2011 and an underwater pier inspection in 2014. In addition, the city has received more than $1 million in annual operations and maintenance grants for the bridge and other urban connectors in the city.
“We recognize the vital role of the Diefenbaker Bridge for Prince Albert residents and the north,” Prince Albert Northcote MLA Victoria Jurgens said. “This announcement is another example of our commitment to Prince Albert.”
“The Diefenbaker Bridge is a critical regional asset that affects not only city residents, but rural municipalities, First Nations, the natural resource sector and tourism traffic in northern Saskatchewan,” Prince Albert Mayor Greg Dionne said. “Through funding like this the provincial government continues to demonstrate its commitment to ensuring the bridge remains in good condition for its remaining service life for all those who use it in northern Saskatchewan.”
Since 2008, the government has invested $5.2 billion in transportation infrastructure province-wide.
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For more information, contact:
Joel Cherry
Highways and Infrastructure
Regina
Phone: 306-787-4805
Email: joel.cherry@gov.sk.ca
Kiley Bear
City of Prince Albert
Phone: 306-953-4367
Email: kbear@citypa.com