IMPROVING HIGHWAYS IN NORTH CENTRAL SASKATCHEWAN

Resurfacing work on a number of highways in north central Saskatchewan, including sections of Highway 55 west of Smeaton, is now underway.

The improvement projects are taking place on a total of 61.03 km of highways in the Glaslyn, Spiritwood, Shell Lake, Big River, Shellbrook, Prince Albert, Smeaton and Tisdale areas. These projects are valued at approximately $750,000 and involves the placement of a layer of liquid asphalt sprayed on the road and covered with a layer of crushed gravel, producing an asphalt seal coat on the road surface.

"These projects are part of our commitment to support the economy through an effective transportation system," Highways and Transportation Minister Maynard Sonntag said. "We're working to rehabilitate some key transportation corridors in north central Saskatchewan to enhance safety, as well as support tourism and regional economic development."

A significant portion of the work will take place on Highway 55 from 8 km to 16 km west of Smeaton, and from 20 km to 24.7 km west of Smeaton, for a total distance of 12.7 km.

Other work includes:

• Highway 3 from 1.52 km west of its junction with Highway 2 to 9 km west of its junction with Highway 2, for a total distance of 7.48 km

• Highway 3 from 18.55 km west of Spiritwood to 21.25 km west of Spiritwood, for a total distance of 2.7 km

• Highway 3 from its junction with Highway 4 to 7.17 km east of its junction with Highway 4, for a total distance of 7.17 km

• Highway 12 from 21.02 km south of its junction with Highway 3 to 29 km south of its junction with Highway 3, for a total distance of 7.98 km

• Highway 35 from its junction with Highway 349 to 4.05 km north of its junction with Highway 349, for a total distance of 4.05 km

• Highway 55 from 9.39 km east of its junction with Highway 2 to 14.74 km east of its junction with Highway 2, for a total distance of 5.35 km

• Highway 55 from 9.3 km north of Shellbrook to 12.7 km north of Shellbrook, for a total distance of 3.4 km

• Highway 55 from 20.1 km northwest of Big River to 28.1 km northwest of Big River, for a total distance of 8 km

• Highway 378 from 27.05 km south of Spiritwood to 29.25 km south of Spiritwood, for a total distance of 2.2 km

Traffic flow through the construction areas will be disrupted during the application of the asphalt seal coat and during the sweeping of surplus gravel from the surface of the completed asphalt seal coat with traffic required to reduce speeds to 60 km/h or less. Flagpersons will be in attendance with pilot vehicles being used to guide traffic through the construction areas. Construction is expected to be complete, weather permitting, by approximately August 26th.

This year's budget provides an additional $300 million for key initiatives such as completing 25 safety improvement projects, upgrading 147 km of thin membrane surface (TMS) highways, and opening 57 km of newly twinned lanes 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:

Jamie Shanks Highways and Transportation Regina Phone: (306) 787-4805