Released on May 8, 2015
Saskatchewan’s highway crews and road builders are springing into action for the 2015-16 construction season.A record $842 million budget means numerous construction sites are popping up across the province. This budget includes $560 million allocated to major capital projects including twinning projects, passing lanes and overpasses.
“The 27 per cent increase over last year’s budget is a clear indication that this government is committed to meeting the growing demands of our province and advancing our economy,” Highways and Infrastructure Minister Nancy Heppner said. “The projects planned for this construction season provide a better quality of life and a safer and more efficient road network for the people in the province.”
Some of the construction highlights include:
- Major projects:
- Construction of the Regina Bypass;
- Overpasses at Martensville and Warman;
- Twinning Highway 39 from Estevan to Bienfait;
- Pre-construction work on passing lanes on Highway 5 between Saskatoon and Humboldt;
- Pre-construction work on Highway 6 and 39 between Regina and Estevan; and
- 300 km of repaving work on the province’s busiest highways, including Highways 1, 2, 6, 7, 11, and 16.
• 150 km of rural highway upgrades including:
- 27 from the junction of Highway 2 to Vonda;
- Highway 43 from the junction of Highway 2 to Gravelbourg;
- Highway 51 from west of Kerrobert to Major; and
- Highway 58 from Lafleche to Gravelbourg.
• 41 bridge projects and many culvert projects.
“The Saskatchewan Heavy Construction Association members recognize this government’s commitment to building and maintaining a safe transportation network,” Saskatchewan Heavy Construction Association President Shantel Lipp said. “The sustained investment in infrastructure provides the foundation for a strong provincial economy and at the same time, the commitment helps our industry plan longer term.”
A weekly construction update will be published throughout the spring and summer months to provide the travelling public with the latest construction information.
“Please watch for orange zones and obey the black and white 60 km/hr signs in construction zones,” Heppner said. “This will help keep everyone safe throughout the construction season.”
Drivers are reminded that they will face three times the normal fines for driving faster than 60 km/hr in work zones. Heavier enforcement including the continued use of photo enforcement will be used to catch speeders.
Check out the Highway Hotline for road restriction information before planning your trip at http://hotline.gov.sk.ca/map/.
The Saskatchewan Ministry of Highways and Infrastructure operates and maintains 26,000 km of provincial highways, 17 northern airports, 12 ferries and one barge. The ministry also regulates about 2,000 km of shortline railways.
The Ministry of Highways and Infrastructure has invested $5.2 billion since 2008.
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For more information, contact:
Sonja Orban
Highways and Infrastructure
Regina
Phone: 306-787-8484
Email: sonja.orban@gov.sk.ca
Cell: 306-536-9692