PROVINCE UNVEILS URBAN CONNECTOR FUNDING AND INVESTMENT IN SASKATOON SOUTH RIVER CROSSING PROJECT

Highways and Transportation Minister Buckley Belanger and Finance Minister and Saskatoon-Nutana MLA Pat Atkinson today announced the funding framework for the Urban Connector pillar of the province's long-term transportation strategy, Transportation for Economic Advantage, as well as $17 million in funding for the first Urban Connector project in the City of Saskatoon.

"The province will invest in major improvements and maintenance of highways through urban centres in support of improved mobility, connectivity and continuity of the flow of people and goods," Belanger said. "The idea is to fund projects that improve safety and traffic congestion for motorists, and provide a seamless connection for industries trucking Saskatchewan's export goods to national and international supply chains."

"This new policy recognizes the provincial interest in connectors to the provincial highway system and provides our cities and towns with the stable funding they need," Atkinson said. "At the same time, there are clear economic benefits to the province as a whole by developing the best possible links to national and global trade routes."

The Urban Connector policy applies to 59 urban municipalities that have administrative control of the highways in their communities (municipalities with a population of 1,000 or more). These urban municipalities will be eligible for funding in four areas: urban capital road and structure investment; routine operations and maintenance; pavement surface and bridge restoration; and transportation planning studies.

The province will continue to have responsibility for provincial highways through communities with less than 1,000 people and in the Northern Administration District.

The first project under the Urban Connector policy will see $17 million in provincial funding dedicated to Saskatoon's Circle Drive South Corridor.

"This investment will improve the flow of traffic in south Saskatoon, improve the efficiency of connecting national and international trade routes, reduce congestion and enhance safety," Atkinson said.

The City of Saskatoon will invest the funds in two projects - the southern portion of the Circle Drive South River Crossing Corridor, and the interchange at Circle Drive and Clarence Avenue.
"Our partners, the provincial and federal governments, are helping us deliver the best transportation system possible to our citizens," Saskatoon Mayor Don Atchison said. "Saskatoon is growing at an incredible rate, and the South River Crossing Corridor creates a vital connection within our city."

Through the Circle Drive South River Crossing, the City of Saskatoon will construct two freeway interchanges at Lorne Avenue and Circle Drive South, and at Idylwyld Freeway and Circle Drive South. These projects will complement the proposed South River Crossing which will provide a bypass link between the southeast and northwest parts of the city. The projects will also improve access to CN's intermodal freight terminal located in Southwest Saskatoon, and facilitate Saskatchewan shippers' participation in Asia-Pacific trade. The funding announced today will provide $12 million of provincial funding to the total $40 million cost of these interchanges. The federal government is providing a further $20 million through the Asia-Pacific Gateway and Corridor Initiative.

The province is also providing $5 million toward the Clarence Avenue interchange. This project will reduce congestion on Circle Drive and enhance access to the Stonebridge Development.

For more information on the Urban Connector policy or Transportation for Economic Advantage, visit www.highways.gov.sk.ca.

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For more information, contact:

Doug Wakabayashi
Highways and Transportation
Regina
Phone: 306-787-4804
Cell: 306-536-0049