CIRCLE DRIVE SOUTH PROJECT OFFICALLY UNDERWAY WITH SOD TURNING CEREMONY

Officials from the federal, provincial and civic governments today turned sod for the Circle Drive South Project. Participating in the ceremony were Stockwell Day, President of the Treasury Board and Minister for the Asia Pacific Gateway, Saskatchewan Premier Brad Wall and Saskatoon Mayor Donald Atchison.

"This project reflects our commitment to investing in transportation infrastructure that supports the movement of merchandise by reducing traffic congestion and commute times, improving air quality and building a stronger national economy," said Day. "The completion of Circle Drive will help Saskatchewan shippers participate fully in the international trade that is so important to the economic prosperity of this region."

"This is one more step the provincial government is taking to support the growth of our major urban centres," Wall said. "This massive project will improve the flow of traffic in and around Saskatoon, improve efficiency for shippers to connect with national and international trade routes, reduce congestion and enhance safety."

"This is a moment in history," Atchison said. "The Circle Drive South Project, including the new south bridge, will finally make Circle Drive a complete circle. It will allow our citizens get to where they need to go faster and more efficiently, and connect our east and west end communities. With tremendous support from the Federal and Provincial Governments, we have improved the connectivity and cultural well-being of our city, now and into the future."

The Circle Drive South Project is the largest single project in the city's history at an estimated cost of $288 million. It is being cost shared between the Federal Government ($96 million), the Provincial Government ($98.5 million), the City of Saskatoon ($93 million) and the Rural Municipality of Corman Park ($200,000).

The Circle Drive South Project involves:

a new six-lane south bridge
four new interchanges (Idylwyld Drive, Lorne Avenue, Valley Road, and 11th Street);
seven kilometres of freeway/expressway from Clarence Avenue to Clancy Drive;
access requirements of surrounding lands;
four railway grade separations;
sound attenuation walls;
relocation of utilities; and
pedestrian and cyclist facilities.
Major benefits include the shorter commuting distances for traffic, and a 35 per cent reduction in traffic using the Senator Sid Buckwold Bridge at afternoon rush hour.

The roadway will be a six-lane divided freeway, with provisions for pedestrians and cyclists to cross the river and access the MVA Trails and other recreation trails on both sides of the river.

In March 2010, City Council awarded the design/build contract to Graham Flatiron Joint Venture. The design/build process means the contractor designs and builds the project. This process establishes costs up front, helps with better scheduling, and shortens the construction period. Site preparation and construction began in spring 2010.

The new south bridge is expected to open October 1, 2012.

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For more information, contact:

Kirsten Leatherdale
Highways and Infrastructure
Regina
Phone: 306-787-8484
Cell: 306-536-9692