PAVING HIGHWAY 56 NEAR INDIAN HEAD

Released on August 18, 2000

A 12.6 km section will be re-surfaced on Highway 56 north of Indian Head to

improve the road for travellers.



"Work on this $1.7 million project is expected to begin immediately and should

be finished by late September," Highways and Transportation Minister Maynard

Sonntag said. "The project will create around 41 jobs."



Warner Construction Ltd. of Regina was awarded the tender as the lowest of

seven bidders. This project will involve putting down a granular layer to

strengthen the road. This includes a layer of sand and crushed gravel, covered

by a seal coat surface.



$2.5 million will be spent over two years on improving a 19 kilometre stretch

of Highway 56. Last year, 6.5 km were resurfaced between Indian Head and

Katepwa at a cost of $756,000. This year's 12.6 km, $1.7 million resurfacing

project is the second phase in improving this highway.



"We are aware the condition of this thin pavement highway has deteriorated due

to increasing truck travel," Sonntag said. "This project will strengthen

Highway 56 between Indian Head and Katepwa to provide better service for truck

traffic, locals, tourists and cottage owners travelling to Katepwa."



Across the province, there will be 101 major projects on 53 different

highways. Highways and Transportation's 2000 budget is $250 million, the

largest in the department's history.



Motorists are asked to drive safely through the Orange Zone and watch for

construction signs and equipment.



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For more information, contact:



Les Bell, Director

Engineering Projects

Saskatchewan Highways

Phone: (306) 787-0825

Cell: (306) 539-9189