PROVINCE PROVIDES $98.5 MILLION IN ADVANCED FUNDS FOR SASKATOON’S CIRCLE DRIVE SOUTH PROJECT

Released on February 25, 2009

The City of Saskatoon will receive a $98.5 million cash injection from the province to kick-start one of the largest transportation infrastructure projects in Saskatchewan, the Circle Drive South Project.

"This is one more step the provincial government is taking to support the growth of our major urban centres and ensure Saskatchewan's economy remains strong throughout 2009 and beyond," Highways and Infrastructure Minister Wayne Elhard said. "We can help the City of Saskatoon move forward on this massive project much more quickly by advancing it provincial funding now."

Saskatoon Mayor Donald Atchison welcomed the announcement as another example of the provincial government's commitment to municipal infrastructure.

"The Circle Drive South Project will serve a critical role in the future of Saskatoon and area, as it is the final link of the existing Circle Drive system and will eventually become a main component of the future perimeter road system," Atchison said. "The new bridge, four interchanges and seven additional kilometres of freeway in this project will serve the needs not only of Saskatoon residents, but of motorists from around the province and across Canada as they travel to and through Saskatoon."

This money is in addition to the $500 million infrastructure stimulus package announced earlier this month by Premier Brad Wall which was to give Saskatchewan an "economic booster shot" in light of the global economic slowdown.

"This investment will improve the flow of traffic in Saskatoon, improve efficiency for shippers to connect with national and international trade routes, reduce congestion and enhance safety," Elhard said. "In addition, advancing the funds now will help to get construction moving, keeping Saskatchewan people and industries working."

Funding for the City of Saskatoon is being provided under the provincial Urban Highway Connector Program. The program addresses issues of traffic safety and enhanced movement of goods and people, with the level of funding reflecting the amount of provincial interest in the route.

Saskatoon Circle Drive South River Crossing Project:

The province has committed $86.5 million toward the construction of a new bridge and roads to complete Circle Drive, as well as $12 million toward interchanges at Lorne Avenue and Circle Drive South and Idylwyld Freeway and Circle Drive South, for a total of $98.5 million. The federal government has committed funding of $86.5 million toward the bridge through the Gateways and Border Crossings Fund, and $20 million toward the cost of the interchanges through the Asia Pacific Gateway and Corridor Initiative. The City of Saskatoon has committed $92 million toward the cost of Circle Drive South Project. The total project cost is estimated at $297 million.

Currently, traffic moving through the city is routed either downtown on Idylwyld Drive or to the north end of the city on Circle Drive. The Circle Drive South River Crossing will greatly reduce the time it takes to move people and goods throughout the city by creating a third high-speed river crossing.

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For more information, contact:

Kirsten Leatherdale
Highways and Infrastructure
Regina
Phone: 306-787-8484
Cell: 306-536-9692