$72.8 MILLION HIGHWAYS WINTER TENDER SCHEDULE

Released on November 20, 2003

Highways and Transportation Minister Mark Wartman announced a $72.8 million Winter Tender Schedule for 2003-04 today at the Saskatchewan Road Builders and Heavy Construction Association Annual Convention in Saskatoon.

"This is another substantial Winter Tender Schedule, demonstrating the province's ongoing commitment to invest in highway improvements that support the provincial economy," Wartman said.

A total of 29 highway improvement projects, one bridge construction project and 15 gravel stockpiling projects will be up for tender to Saskatchewan's road building industry this winter.

These projects will not only serve to strengthen Saskatchewan's highway network, but will also create jobs for more than 700 seasonal construction workers. Approximately 175 of those jobs will begin this winter with the balance in the 2004-05 construction season.

The Winter Tender Schedule represents approximately 56 per cent of planned construction activity in 2004-05. Additional projects may be added this winter pending contractor progress and weather. Further highway improvement projects will be announced when the 2004-05 budget is released.

By releasing a Winter Tender Schedule, timely and efficient delivery of highway improvements is ensured for the motoring public. The winter tenders generate seasonal employment for the road building industry, facilitate a head start on the 2004-05 construction season and will minimize road damage by hauling gravel while the roadbeds are frozen.

Highlights of the 2003-04 Winter Tender Schedule include:

• 174 km of pavement resurfacing valued at $22 million;
• 148 km of grading and paving valued at $34 million;
• 275 km of micro surfacing (to fill ruts and correct the surface condition
for a smooth driving surface) valued at $4 million;
• 15 gravel stockpiling projects valued at $10.6 million; and
• one bridge rehabilitation project at North Battleford valued at $2.3
million.

Major initiatives include:

• 36 km of newly-twinned lanes on Highway 16 and Highway 1 East;
• 16.2 km of Thin Membrane Surface (TMS) road converted to pavement
on Highway 6 to complete a paved standard link between Regina and
the U.S border; and
• another 70 km of TMS converted to a paved standard province-wide.

"In Saskatchewan, highways are a lifeline – connecting us to one another and driving economic development," Wartman said. "The Winter Tender Schedule demonstrates once again that transportation is a priority for the Government of Saskatchewan."

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:

Pamela Bishop Highways and Transportation Regina Phone: (306) 787-4804 Email: pbishop@highways.gov.sk.ca Cell: (306)536-0049