RESURFACING AND WIDENING COMPLETE ON HIGHWAY 44 WEST OF ELROSE

Released on August 5, 2003

Resurfacing and widening on a 6.4 km section of Highway 44 west of Elrose is now complete.

"This resurfacing is part of our commitment to building better highways," Highways and Transportation Minister Mark Wartman said. "Highway 44 has seen an increase in truck traffic, leading to wear and tear on the highway surface. The project that took place in the Elrose area will help improve Highway 44, enhancing safety and the efficient transportation of goods."

The $1.4 million improvement project on Highway 44 took place from Elrose to 6.4 km west. Warner Construction Ltd. of Regina was the contractor.

"In Saskatchewan, highways are a lifeline - connecting us to one another and driving economic development," Wartman said. "The completed improvements to Highway 44 demonstrate once again that transportation is a priority for the Government of Saskatchewan as we build towards our wide open future."

The government has committed $296.2 million to building better highways in 2003-2004. More than 700 km of highways will be reconstructed and paved this year.

Motorists are reminded to reduce speed and drive safely through the Orange Zone and to also watch for construction signs and heavy equipment during this season of heavy road construction.

For more information about road construction projects, and other Saskatchewan Highways and Transportation activities, visit the web site at: www.highways.gov.sk.ca.

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For More Information, Contact:

Kirsten Leatherdale Highways and Transportation Regina Phone: (306) 787-8484 Email: kleatherdale@highways.gov.sk.ca