IMPROVEMENTS TO HIGHWAY 31 NEAR LUSELAND

Released on March 9, 2001

A tender has been awarded for surfacing 9.9 km of Highway 31 west of

Luseland this construction season.



"Work for this $2.2 million surfacing project is anticipated to begin in

mid-June of 2001 and should be completed by late August," Highways and

Transportation Minister Pat Atkinson said. "Completion of this job will

require an estimated 45 full-time workers."



The 9.9 km surfacing project on Highway 31 will begin 25 km northwest of

its junction with Highway 21 and continue northwest. A double seal coat

will be applied to the completed surfacing structure to provide a wearing

surface. Drivers along Highway 31 between Macklin and Luseland should

watch for large trucks carrying crushed gravel this month.



W. F. Botkin Construction Ltd. of Regina was awarded this surfacing project.



This project was identified in the 2000/2001 Winter Tender Schedule for

Saskatchewan highway work. The Winter Tender Schedule is worth an

estimated $90 million and ensures timely and efficient delivery of highway

improvements this spring.



"Highway 31 has seen an increase in truck traffic, making it necessary to

repair current damage and strengthen this highway for future truck hauls,"

Atkinson said. "We are fixing two sections on Highway 31 this summer,

including a 10.9 km section northwest of Kerrobert.



"Saskatchewan Highways and Transportation is working hard to fix roads

across the province to improve driver safety."



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For more information, contact:



Ray Connoly , Director

Engineering Projects

Saskatoon

Phone: (306) 933-6117

(cell) (306) 230-5272