PAVING HIGHWAY 106 NEAR DESCHAMBAULT LAKE

Released on July 19, 2000

Work has begun on a 22 kilometer section of Highway 106 near Deschambault Lake.



"On-road work for this $2.2 million project is anticipated to begin this week,

with the completion targeted for late September," Highways and Transportation

Minister Maynard Sonntag said. "Completion of this job will require an

estimated 35 full-time workers."



G.W. Construction Ltd. of Buchanan, Saskatchewan was awarded the contract as

the lowest of five bidders. The paving will begin west of the junction of

Highways 106 and 911 and will continue east of this same junction.



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. In total, the province will spend $34.6

million this year to preserve, maintain and improve the condition of highways

and airports in northern Saskatchewan.



"We are working hard to strengthen our transportation system in the north,"

Sonntag said. "Improved highways are an important link to improving economic

development opportunities in northern Saskatchewan."



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:



Rock Gorlick, Director

Engineering Projects

Saskatoon

Phone: (306) 933-5225

(cell) 306-227-8013