TWINNING HIGHWAYS 1 AND 16

Saskatchewan Highways and Transportation 2004-05 budget has provided $29 million for twinning on Highways 1 and 16, including opening 53 km of new lanes in the upcoming construction season.

"The people of Saskatchewan have told us that twinning is important to them, and we are committed to meeting the public's expectations," Highways and Transportation Minister Maynard Sonntag said. "The newly-twinned lanes constructed this year will provide a safer, more efficient route for motorists on the national highway system."

Twinning on Highway 1 East includes opening 39.7 km of new lanes from east of Wolseley to west of Broadview this fall; and grading 26.7 km from 5.9 km west of Broadview and 3 km west of Whitewood, in preparation for paving in 2005.

On Highway 16, 13.6 km of newly-twinned lanes from west of North Battleford to east of Delmas will be open to traffic this fall. In addition, new lanes from 6 km east of Maidstone to 4.5 km west of Maidstone will be graded in preparation for paving in 2005.

The provincial government originally committed to twinning Highway 16 from North Battleford to the Alberta border and all of Highway 1 by 2012. That schedule was pushed up five years with an injection of federal funding. Twinning on Highways 1 and 16 will be cost-shared on a 50-50 basis with the federal government through the Canada Strategic Infrastructure Fund (CSIF) and the Strategic Highway Infrastructure Program (SHIP).

"Highways 1 and 16 serve as important trade corridors and tourism links to the rest of Canada as part of the National Highway System," Sonntag said. "In Saskatchewan, we're building better highways – ensuring a safer transportation system and driving economic development. This twinning demonstrates once again that transportation is a priority for the provincial government."

The province has committed $294.8 million to Highways and Transportation in 2004-2005. A total of 740 km of highways will be improved this year.

Motorists are reminded to reduce speed and drive safely through the Orange Zone, and to watch for construction signs and heavy equipment during this busy construction season.

For more information about upcoming construction in your area, and other Saskatchewan Highways and Transportation activities, visit the web site at: www.highways.gov.sk.ca.

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For More Information, Contact:

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