Why did the scope and cost of the Regina Bypass project change?
The first concept of the Regina Bypass was in 2013. This was for the south section, to divert truck traffic off Victoria Avenue East. The cost estimate was roughly $400 million.
There were two other projects also being considered around Regina:
Project one: overpasses east of Regina
Goal: provide greater safety to the growing communities in that area.
Cost: roughly $400 million.
Project two: overpasses west of Regina
Goal: divert traffic off Dewdney Avenue
Cost: roughly $400 million. A decision was made to combine these individual components into one project: the Regina Bypass.
So, the original $400 million estimate now increased to $1.2 billion as the project scope increased.

Another number often cited is $1.88 billion* for the Regina Bypass. That number is the total cost of the project. It includes construction and the transfer of risk to the private contractor. This includes 30 years of regular maintenance, reconstruction and snow removal.
Professional cost estimators calculated the cost of building and maintaining the bypass was $2.2 billion. The $1.88 billion* Graham-team P3 bid was less expensive so it was accepted.
Ernst & Young verified the P3 method will save Saskatchewan people $380 million.
Saskatchewan business groups have endorsed P3s as a way to improve infrastructure and create jobs. This includes:
- The Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce
- The Saskatoon Chamber of Commerce
- The Regina Chamber of Commerce
- The Swift Current Chamber of Commerce
- The North Saskatoon Business Association
*Note: land acquisition is separate from this cost and is projected at roughly $100 million.