PAVING BEGINS ON HIGHWAY 16

Released on July 23, 2004

Paving is underway on the newly-graded lanes of Highway 16 from the end of the four-lane near North Battleford to east of Delmas.

Grading, or building up the roadbed in preparation for paving, began on the new twinned lanes on Highway 16 west of North Battleford in the 2003 construction season. That grading work should be complete by July 31st. Construction crews began paving the new lanes today. This 13.6 km section will be open to traffic this fall.

In addition, Highway 16 is being realigned around the north side of Maidstone this construction season. Grading on new east and westbound lanes is underway from 6 km east of Maidstone to 4.5 km west of Maidstone in preparation for paving in 2005.

"The people of Saskatchewan have told us that twinning is important to them, and we are committed to meeting the public's expectations," Highways and Transportation Minister Maynard Sonntag said. "The newly-twinned lanes constructed on Highway 16 this year will provide a safer, more efficient route for motorists on the National Highway System."

Saskatchewan Highways and Transportation's 2004-05 budget has provided $29 million for twinning on Highways 16 and 1, including opening 53 km of new lanes in the upcoming construction season.

Twinning on Highway 1 East includes opening 39.7 km of new lanes from east of Wolseley to west of Broadview this fall; and starting to grade 26.7 km, from 5.9 km west of Broadview to 3 km west of Whitewood, in preparation for paving in 2005.

The provincial government originally committed to twinning Highway 1 east by 2012 and Highway 16 from North Battleford to the Alberta border by 2010. That schedule was accelerated with an injection of federal funding. Twinning on Highways 1 and 16 will be cost-shared on a 50-50 basis with the federal government through the Canada Strategic Infrastructure Fund (CSIF) and the Strategic Highway Infrastructure Program (SHIP).

"Highways 1 and 16 serve as important trade corridors and tourism links to the rest of Canada as part of the National Highway System," Sonntag said. "In Saskatchewan, we're building better highways – ensuring a safer transportation system and driving economic development. This twinning demonstrates once again that transportation is a priority for the Government of Saskatchewan."

The province has committed $294.8 million to Highways and Transportation in 2004-2005. 740 km of highways will be improved this year.

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

For more information about upcoming construction in your area, 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