Released on October 1, 2013
The new overpass at Highway 1 and the West Regina Bypass is now open to traffic.
“This overpass ensures that trucks can access the Global Transportation Hub safely and efficiently and provides the capacity in our transportation system to ensure Regina continues to grow, especially on the west side,” Highways and Infrastructure Minister Don McMorris said. “It’s an example of the Saskatchewan Plan for Growth in action – responding to the increased traffic demand our growth is generating and, at the same time, enabling more growth in the future.”
Work began on the $43 million overpass in 2011. The bridge’s steel girders were installed during the winter of 2012-13 with the bridge itself built over the course of the current construction season. With the opening of the overpass, trucks turning left onto or off the West Regina Bypass will be separated from through traffic on Highway 1.
“The Saskatchewan Trucking Association is greatly encouraged by the priority and development the Ministry of Highways and Infrastructure has placed on infrastructure projects that enhance the Global Transportation Hub,” Saskatchewan Trucking Association Executive Director Al Rosseker said. “The hub and subsequent infrastructure are shifting the truck transport paradigm in western Canada. Well done!”
While the overpass is now open to traffic, some finishing work remains including construction of the westbound to southbound ramp, curb work on the bridge, final paving of the shoulders on the bridge approaches, topsoil replacement along the side slopes and sign installation.
Some traffic restrictions including lane restrictions and 60 km/hr speed limits will remain in effect while this work is completed. In addition, work continues on the new, four-lane portion of the West Regina Bypass from Highway 1 to Dewdney Avenue, including the railway overpass. The total investment in this phase of the West Regina Bypass including the overpass is $113 million and includes a $27 million contribution from the federal government.
The government has invested a record $3.7 billion in transportation infrastructure since 2008.
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For more information, contact:
Doug Wakabayashi
Highways and Infrastructure
Regina
Phone: 306-787-4804
Email: doug.wakabayashi@gov.sk.ca
Cell: 306-536-0049