REPAVING HIGHWAY 1 EAST OF REGINA

Several sections of Highway 1 between Balgonie and Regina will soon be repaved

to create a smoother driving surface for motorists. Workers will improve 21.1

km in both the east and westbound lanes.



"This $2.5 million project is currently in progress and will be completed in

the spring of 2001," Highways and Transportation Minister Maynard Sonntag

said. "This highway improvement is expected to create 46 full-time jobs."



Ramco Paving Ltd. of Regina was awarded this project as the lowest of five

bidders. Intersection improvements will also take place east of the overpass

connecting Highways 1 and 10 toward Fort Qu'Appelle. The improvements will

involve adding turning lanes to accommodate access from Highway 10 to a new

concrete elevator.



"Highway 1 is part of our National Highway System and carries a high volume of

traffic," Sonntag said. "As our budget increases, so does our ability to

invest in the preservation and maintenance of our provincial highways."



Across the province, there will be 101 major projects on 53 different

highways. Highways and Transportation's 2000 budget is $250 million, the

largest in the department's history.



Motorists are asked to drive safely through the Orange Zone and watch for

construction signs and equipment.



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For more information, contact:



Les Bell, Director

Engineering Services

Phone: (306) 787-0825

(cell) 306-539-9189