SPRING TENDER SCHEDULE EXPANDS ON PROJECTS FOR 2005

Saskatchewan Highways and Transportation released its 2005 Spring Tender Schedule, which lists an estimated $37.5 million worth of new highway improvement projects. This schedule augments the previous work published on the 2004 Winter Tender Schedule for the upcoming 2005 construction season.

"Safe, effective transportation is a key enabler for achieving and maintaining a prosperous economy," Highways and Transportation Minister Maynard Sonntag said.

"This is another substantial Spring Tender Schedule, demonstrating the province's ongoing commitment to invest in transportation improvements," Sonntag said. "These improvements continue to drive economic development opportunities in Saskatchewan and link us to the rest of Canada, and indeed to the entire world, by upgrading and enhancing the province's infrastructure to meet the unique needs of the 21st century."

A total of 28 highway improvement projects, 1 right-of-way clearing project and 5 gravel stockpiling projects will be up for tender to the road building industry.

The Spring Tender Schedule represents approximately 32 per cent of planned construction activity in 2005.

Major projects and initiatives in 2005 include:

• Enhancing safety through continued twinning work worth $31.9 million, including paving and grading activities on Highways 1, 11, and 16;

• Opening 57 km of twinned lanes to traffic and grading an additional 40 km;

• Maintaining and improving existing infrastructure by resurfacing 333 km of roads;

• Upgrading rural highways by paving 147 km through key partnerships such as the Prairie Grain Roads Program; and

• Continued commitment to seeking innovative solutions such as a crumb rubber asphalt research project on Highway 11 near Chamberlain.

Highlights of the 2005 Spring Tender Schedule include:

• 52.9 km of pavement resurfacing;

• 21.3 km of grading and paving;

• 70.5 km of grading;

• 5 stockpiling contracts;

• 2 sealcoat contracts;

• 1 rubber asphalt crack filling contract; and

• 379 lane-km of micro-surfacing.

These projects are in addition to those announced last fall in the Winter Tender Schedule which are valued at $79.5 million. Road construction activities in 2005 will include the majority of the winter tender projects announced, as well as the additional projects for this spring. In addition to the $117 million combined value of the Spring and Winter Tender Schedules, Budget 2005-06 provides for the largest capital expenditure in the province's 100 year history.

To view the Spring Tender Schedule and map, and find out about other Saskatchewan Highways and Transportation activities, visit the web site at www.highways.gov.sk.ca.

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For More Information, Contact:

Doug Wakabayashi Highways and Transportation Regina Phone: (306) 787-4804