HIGHWAY 4 TWINNING THROUGH BATTLEFORD COMPLETED

Motorists travelling on Highway 4 will have a safer, more efficient journey with the completion of twinning 4 kilometres (km) through Battleford.

The new lanes were celebrated with a ribbon cutting ceremony today in Battleford by Battlefords MLA Herb Cox on behalf of Highways and Infrastructure Minister Don McMorris, Cut Knife-Turtleford MLA Larry Doke and Battleford Mayor Chris Odishaw.

"This is a significant investment for our local infrastructure and the people of Battleford," Cox said. "A twinned highway will provide increased capacity for traffic, the safe and efficient movement of people and goods, and the foundation for continued economic prosperity. The Province of Saskatchewan is pleased to partner with the Town of Battleford to make this investment."

"This investment will assist local communities in harnessing the opportunities that stem from increased economic growth," Doke said. "Highway 4 is an important urban route for the people and businesses in our region."

"This improved road infrastructure will better support current and future growth of our local economy, and commercial and residential development in the Battlefords, while creating a safer corridor for residents, visitors and industrial traffic," Mayor Odishaw said.

The project cost is $11.6 million, with the province providing 75 per cent of the funding and the Town of Battleford providing 25 per cent, to twin Highway 4 through Battleford, south of Highway 16 to the Battle River Bridge. This highway accommodates upward of 7,100 vehicles per day.

In addition the project involved work on the associated drainage system, relocating utilities, improvements to the Highway 4 intersections of 35th Street, 29th Street and 22nd Street (Highway 40) and installation of traffic lights. Work initially began in June of 2010. Construction was managed by the Town of Battleford.

-30-

For more information, contact:

Kirsten Leatherdale
Highways and Infrastructure
Regina
Phone: 306-787-8484
Email: kirsten.leatherdale@gov.sk.ca
Cell: 306-536-9692