$24.4 MILLION WORTH OF MAJOR HIGHWAY, BRIDGE IMPROVEMENTS IN BATTLEFORDS/LLOYDMINSTER AREA

Released on July 26, 2007

"We are making unprecedented investments in projects to support our growing and dynamic economy," Calvert said. "We're helping make Saskatchewan the best place for families today, and building an even stronger future here for our young people.

"Our transportation strategy, Transportation for Economic Advantage, is a key component of making life better in Saskatchewan. The strategy will work to fundamentally realign our transportation network by ensuring that our export-dependant industries can move goods efficiently and provide more opportunities for business and investment in Saskatchewan, resulting in more opportunities and greater prosperity for Saskatchewan people."

Transportation for Economic Advantage is the Government of Saskatchewan's 10-year, $5 billion transportation strategy. A record $434 million has been budgeted to maintain and enhance the province's transportation infrastructure in 2007-2008.

"Industry in west central Saskatchewan, including the oil and gas sector, agriculture, manufacturing, processing and tourism, will benefit from efficiencies as a result of these highway improvements and new business ventures will find this area even more attractive," Belanger said. "But it is also imperative to note the safety benefits for commuters, local residents, ambulances, school buses and other motorists who will have a safer, smoother ride on area highways and bridges."

Twinning construction on Highway 16 is the region's biggest project. A total of 41.6 kilometres (km) remains to be twinned between Delmas and Paynton at a cost of $22.1 million. This project is cost-shared between the provincial and federal governments. Construction began this spring and should be finished by October, weather permitting. This will complete the twinning of the Highway 16 (Yellowhead) corridor between Saskatoon and Lloydminster.

Other major construction projects in the 2007 season include:

• Highway 4 Battlefords Bridge Upgrade - The fourth and final phase of the rehabilitation of the northbound Battlefords Bridge over the North Saskatchewan River is valued at $1.5 million, and includes sandblasting and painting steel girders. With the completion of this multi-year project, the government will have invested $6.7 million to completely renew the bridge by increasing the width, resurfacing the bridge deck and strengthening the girders. Construction began in May and should be complete by October, weather permitting.

• Highway 4 Safety Improvements (North Battleford to Cochin) - This busy tourism corridor to Jackfish and Murray Lakes and Battlefords Provincial Park was made safer with $270,000 worth of improvements completed in June, including: new turning lanes at the intersections with Forest Hall Road and Lanz Point/Iffley/Hatherleigh Road; an extension of the 80 km/hr speed limit near the Maymont Beach North Access; intersection lighting at Day's Beach Access; and improved pavement markings and intersection signing.

• Highway 17 - Turning lanes are being constructed approximately 10 km south of Lloydminster to improve safety and accommodate heavy oilfield traffic turning off onto municipal grid roads. The turning lanes will be 300 metres in length on either side of the highway. Construction began in early July and will be completed July 27, weather permitting. This project is providing a training opportunity for a Highways and Transportation crew made up of young Aboriginal employees hired through a partnership with First Nations in central Saskatchewan. A contractor, ASL Paving out of Lloydminster, will pave the new lanes. The total project cost is $200,000.

• Highway 17 - The existing timber bridge over Big Gully Creek along the Alberta border has been demolished and is being replaced with a precast concrete bridge. Construction began in May and should be complete by the end of August, with a cost of $660,000. This project is cost-shared with the Government of Alberta.

Remember to slow to 60 km/hr in the Orange Zone when passing highway workers and equipment. For more information on highway construction, Transportation for Economic Advantage or other programs and services go to 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
Cell: 306-536-9692