IMPROVING HIGHWAY 6 NORTH OF THE U.S. BORDER

Construction is now complete on 16.2 km of surfacing on Highway 6 north of the U.S. border.

The $2.75 million improvement project on Highway 6 took place from the U.S. border at the Port of Regway, continuing 16.2 km north. This section was graded last construction season in preparation for surfacing this year.

Carmacks Enterprises Ltd. was the contractor, and approximately 70 workers were employed on this project. The public's patience has been appreciated over the construction period.

In addition to the highway improvement, the border sign at the Port of Regway will be upgraded in the 2004 construction season. The new sign will be funded by the department's Enhanced Tourism Signing Program.

"The improvement to Highway 6 at the U.S. border will help improve traffic flow through this Canada/U.S. port," Highways and Transportation Minister Maynard Sonntag said. "Highway 6 is very important to Saskatchewan – serving as a tourism link and major north-south trade corridor to the U.S."

Highway 6 in southern Saskatchewan has seen a significant amount of upgrading in recent years. With funding from the Centenary Fund the province invested over $12 million to complete upgrading this key trade corridor between Regina and the U.S. border. Work on the 16.2 km section at the border marks the completion of Highway 6 from a Thin Membrane Surface (TMS) highway to a paved standard.

Over the past three years, the province has invested $900 million in Saskatchewan's transportation network, improving 1,000 km of paved highways, upgrading 750 km of rural highways, and twinning 172 km on Highways 1 and 16.

This year's budget provides an additional $294.8 million to improve another 740 km of major highways, improve 30 bridges, and twin 53 km on Highways 1 and 16 this construction season.

Remember to slow to 60 km/h when passing through the construction Orange Zone, and watch for construction workers, signs and heavy equipment. For more information about construction in your area, view the provincial project map at: www.highways.gov.sk.ca.

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For More Information, Contact:

Kirsten Leatherdale Highways and Transportation Regina Phone: (306) 787-8484