IMPROVING HIGHWAY 4 SOUTH OF SWIFT CURRENT

Released on January 31, 2003

A tender has been awarded for resurfacing 11 km of Highway 4 south of Swift Current this construction season.

"We are maintaining our focus on building better highways," Highways and Transportation Minister Mark Wartman said. "Road work for this $2.1 million surfacing project is anticipated to begin in June of 2003, and should be completed by the end of July. This job will require an estimated 53 full-time workers."

The improvement project on Highway 4 will begin 0.2 km south of the Highway 43 junction and continue for 10.6 km north. Work will begin in late January on gravel crushing and haul in preparation for construction.

ASL Paving Ltd. of Saskatoon was awarded this surfacing project.

This project was identified in the 2002/2003 Winter Tender Schedule for Saskatchewan highway work, worth an estimated $70.9 million. The Winter Tender Schedule ensures timely and efficient delivery of highway improvements this spring.

"Highway 4 has seen an increase in truck traffic, leading to wear and tear on this highway," Wartman said. "We are resurfacing a section of the highway, as it has deteriorated over the past number of years. Saskatchewan Highways and Transportation is working hard to fix roads across the province to improve driver safety."

The government of Saskatchewan has committed $293 million for building better highways in 2002-2003. The department's recent Winter Tender Schedule valued at $70.9 million highlighted 36 different highway improvement projects, with a length of 490 km that are planned to be completed in the 2003-04 construction season.

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

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For More Information, Contact:

Brian W. Cook Highways & Transportation Regina Phone: (306)787-2701 Email: bcook@highways.gov.sk.ca