IMPROVING HIGHWAY 1 NEAR McLEAN

A tender has been awarded for resurfacing Highway 1 near McLean this construction season.

"We are maintaining our focus on building better highways," Highways and Transportation Minister Mark Wartman said. "Work on this $3.5 million resurfacing project is expected to begin in mid June, and should be completed by the middle of August. An estimated 30 full-time workers will be needed to complete the project."

The improvement project on Highway 1 will begin 1.3 km east of the McLean Access to the Junction of Highways 46 and 1 in the westbound lanes; from 0.3 km west of the McLean Access to the McLean Access in the eastbound lanes. There will also be a surface treatment at the entrance of the Pioneer Grain Terminal. Potzus Paving & Road Mtc. Ltd. of Yorkton was awarded the contract.

"Highway 1 has experienced an increase in truck traffic, leading to wear and tear on this section. It also serves as an important trade and tourism corridor from the east," Wartman said. "Saskatchewan Highways and Transportation is working hard to fix roads across the province to improve driver safety."

The government of Saskatchewan has committed $293 million for building better highways in 2002-2003. The department's recent Winter Tender Schedule valued at $70.9 million highlighted 36 different highway improvement projects, with a length of 490 km that are planned to be completed in the 2003-2004 construction season.

For more information about road construction projects, and other Saskatchewan Highways and Transportation activities, visit the website at www.highways.gov.sk.ca.

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For More Information, Contact:

Brian W. Cook Highways & Transportation Regina Phone: 306-787-2701 Email: bcook@highways.gov.sk.ca