IMPROVING HIGHWAY 21 SOUTH OF MAIDSTONE

Construction is underway on Highway 21 south of Maidstone.

Surfacing is taking place on 18.5 km from the Junction of Highway 40 to 2 km north of the Battle River. This $2.9 million project will employ approximately 60 workers. Anderson Rental and Paving Ltd. of Saskatoon is the contractor.

This project will convert Highway 21 between the junction of Highway 40 and 1.6 km south of Maidstone from a thin membrane surface (TMS) highway to a paved standard, and is being cost-shared with the federal government through the Prairie Grain Roads Program. The remaining 1.6 km south of Maidstone will be completed with the twinning work at Maidstone in 2005.

The public is advised that there will be an occasional disruption of traffic during the construction period, which should wrap up by mid-August.

"This construction is part of our commitment to building better highways," Highways and Transportation Minister Maynard Sonntag said. "Work on Highway 21 will improve safety and support regional economic development, demonstrating once again that transportation is a priority for the Government of Saskatchewan."

Over the past three years, the province has invested $900 million in Saskatchewan's transportation network, improving 1,000 km of paved highways, upgrading 750 km of rural highways, and twinning 172 km on Highways 1 and 16.

This year's budget provides an additional $294.8 million to improve another 740 km of major highways and 30 bridges, and twin 53 km on Highways 1 and 16 this construction season.

Remember to slow to 60 km/h when passing through the construction Orange Zone, and watch for construction workers, signs and heavy equipment. For more information about construction in your area, view the provincial project map at: www.highways.gov.sk.ca.

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For More Information, Contact:

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