Released on May 15, 2014
Warmer weather has arrived and work zones are springing up on highways across Saskatchewan as the government marks the official start of the 2014-15 construction season.“A safe, efficient highway network is crucial for strengthening the economy and ensuring Saskatchewan meets the challenges of growth,” Highways and Infrastructure Minister Don McMorris said. “We are committed to building and maintaining the transportation system a growing province needs, and that’s why we’ve invested $4.3 billion since 2008.”
The 2014-15 Budget will continue to improve Saskatchewan’s highways by providing $664.5 million to build, maintain and operate the highway system. This includes a $405.2 million budget for transportation capital projects.
Construction season highlights include:
- Construction of new twinning lanes for Highway 16 East of Saskatoon to Clavet;
- 300 km of repaving work on the province’s busiest highways, including Highways 1, 2, 6, 11, 16, 39 and 46;
- 150 km of rural highway upgrades including:
- Highway 42 from Marquis to Eyebrow;
- Highway 43 from the junction of Highway 2 to Gravelbourg;
- Highway 51 from west of Kerrobert to Major;
- Supergrid pilot projects on Highway 47 north of Stoughton and Highway 361 near Alida.
- 29 major bridge and more than 100 culvert projects to ensure the safety and functionality of these structures on the provincial highway system.
Other scheduled maintenance for this construction season includes:
- 238 km of planned maintenance (this is a snapshot of planned projects at this time; more work will be added as the season progresses);
- 47,753 km of centre line and shoulder lines painted on highways, as well as 29,065 pavement signs (such as arrows and stop bars); and
- More than 9,600 signs replaced/installed in the highway right-of-way.
“Not only are spring conditions favourable for construction, but many Saskatchewan people will be heading out to enjoy the province’s many beautiful lakes, parks and other tourist opportunities,” McMorris said. “If you’re heading out on the road this weekend – or any time through the spring and summer – always slow to 60 when you pass through a work zone. It’s the law and it could save someone’s life.”
All motorists are reminded they must slow to 60 km/hr in highway work zones. Simplified signage, introduced last year, will direct drivers exactly when to slow to 60 km/hr. Drivers face three times the normal fines for speeding in work zones, as well as heavier enforcement including the continued use of photo enforcement. For the drivers safety and the safety of workers, slow to 60 km/hr.
The Saskatchewan Ministry of Highways and Infrastructure operates and maintains 26,000 km of provincial highways, 17 northern airports, 12 ferries and one barge. The ministry also regulates about 2,000 km of shortline railways.
-30-
For more information, contact:
Joel Cherry
Highways and Infrastructure
Regina
Phone: 306-787-4805