TWINNING COMMENCES ON HIGHWAY NO. 1 EAST

Released on October 22, 1998

Highways and Transportation Minister Judy Bradley today announced the

official start of a $2.6 million, 21.3 km twinning project on the

Trans Canada Highway No. 1 from east of Indian Head to just west of

Wolseley.



"The twinning we are starting here represents a significant investment

and commitment to the national highway system in Saskatchewan,"

Bradley said. "It will further benefit the people of Saskatchewan by

improving safety, economic and social growth in our province."



The grading project commenced with an official sod-turning ceremony on

Thursday, October 22 in Indian Head. It is expected, weather

permitting, that initial road way construction and culvert

installation will occur in the remainder of the 1998 construction

season to prepare for work next spring. The grading project is

planned for completion by September 1999. The paving contract for the

project is planned to start late in the fall of 1999.



Dallas Oilfield Contractors of Humboldt, was awarded the contract for

the first stage of construction as the lowest of six bidders. It is

estimated that 33 people will be employed on the project.



"We are pleased that this important work is proceeding, but we

remain deeply disappointed that our ongoing efforts to enlist the

federal government's financial support in twinning the national

highway system have not yet gained their involvement," Bradley

said. "We need the federal government to work co-operatively in

meeting the challenges we face, not only on our national highway

system but in grain transportation as well. The changes we are

experiencing in transportation are largely a result of federal

policy changes."



Last June, two grading projects totalling 27 km were started on

Highway No. 1 at Gull Lake. The projects valued at $4 million

were completed this month with paving to be completed by the fall

of 1999.



The estimate for the entire four laning intitiative committed to

by the government in its transportation strategy, Investing in

Transportation, is $189 million. Highway No. 1 west to the

Alberta border will cost approximately $49 million; $83 million

for Highway No. 1 east from Indian Head to the Manitoba border;

and $57 million for Highway No. 16 west between North Battleford

and Lloydminster.



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For more information contact:



Barry Martin

Assistant Deputy Minister, Operations

Saskatchewan Highways and Transportation

Regina

Phone: (306) 787-4859