PROVINCE ANNOUNCES $2.8 M IN NEW FUNDING FOR HIGHWAY 11 INTERSECTION AT ROSTHERN

Highways and Transportation Minister Maynard Sonntag announced today that the province will provide $2.8 million in new funding for an intersection safety improvement at the junction of Highways 11 and 312 at Rosthern.

"This intersection will be realigned to improve safety at one of the busiest junctions in the province," Highways and Transportation Minister Maynard Sonntag said. "In turn, the new intersection will provide better access to some of Saskatchewan's top tourist destinations as we celebrate the province's centennial in 2005."

Funding for the intersection improvement has been accelerated due to the provincial government's strong mid-year financial results. The increase in provincial revenue has allowed the government to address outstanding commitments and priorities such as the intersection improvement on Highway 11.

"The realignment of this intersection has been a high priority for the Town of Rosthern," Rosthern Mayor Doug Knoll said. "We are pleased that local motorists and commuters will have a safer drive, and expect visitors to the Seager Wheeler Farm and Batoche National Historic Sites will benefit from the improvement as well."

"It's good to hear that this project is moving forward," RM of Rosthern Reeve Henry Funk said. "We've consulted with the Department of Highways and Transportation about this intersection in the past, and will continue to provide input on projects that improve safety and access in the area."

The junction of Highways 11 and 312 has the highest collision rate of all intersections on the two-lane section of Highway 11 between Warman and Prince Albert. Highway 312 will be realigned approximately 200 m to the south to improve the angle of the intersection with Highway 11.

A service road will be constructed from the new intersection to 6th Street, and the current 6th Street access will be closed due to its close proximity to the new intersection.

The south access to Rosthern will be realigned approximately 500 metres south of its current location. This situates the intersection at a safer location from the end of a curve, and provides for additional separation between the highway and railroad. A municipal road intersection is also being relocated to this new intersection site to incorporate both intersections at one location.

This project will be tendered over the winter in preparation for start-up in the 2005 construction season.

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For More Information, Contact:

Doug Wakabayashi Highways and Transportation Regina Phone: (306) 787-4805 Cell: (306) 536-0049