PRIMARY WEIGHT HIGHWAY EXPANSION FIRST STEP IN PROVINCIAL TRANSPORTATION STRATEGY

As part of the province's transportation strategy for Saskatchewan, the primary weight highway network will be expanded to include an additional 1,190 km province-wide, allowing for shippers to haul heavier weights on a broader network of highways.

Highways and Transportation Minister Eldon Lautermilch announced the initiative today at Vigro Seed and Supply (a subsidiary of Weyburn Inland Terminal) in Sedley, approximately 50 km southeast of Regina along Highway 33, one of several highways included in the expansion.

"This announcement will have a direct impact on shippers like Vigro Seed and Supply and their customers," Lautermilch said. "Industries including agriculture, the oil and gas sector, mining, forestry, manufacturing, trucking and others will see hauling efficiencies and cost savings estimated at $18 million per year as a result of this initiative.

"In addition, the expansion is designed to divert truck traffic to highways that have been upgraded in recent years and are capable of carrying heavier weights, alleviating pressure on the secondary or thin membrane surface (TMS) highway network."

"Allowing primary weight access on a larger number of provincial highways will benefit industry in rural Saskatchewan," Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities President David Marit said. "This is exactly the kind of initiative we have advocated as part of our Clearing the Path recommendations to remove impediments to economic development and improve the business climate in rural Saskatchewan."

The primary weight expansion is a major component of the province's long term transportation strategy – Transportation for Economic Renewal. This strategy recognizes that the current network needs to be more properly aligned to support Saskatchewan's diverse and growing economy.

To guide realignment and development of the provincial transportation system, the strategy will focus on four key areas: investment in rural economic corridors; partnering with municipalities to develop urban connectors to the provincial highway system; investment in infrastructure in northern Saskatchewan; and continued support for the development of the shortline rail system.

"This strategy recognizes the inherent link between transportation and economic development, especially in rural Saskatchewan," Lautermilch said. "It responds to new demands for transportation services, changing traffic patterns generated by emerging sectors of the economy, and recognizes transportation's role in strengthening the social fabric of the province."

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For More Information, Contact:

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