IMPROVING HIGHWAY 1 WEST OF REGINA

A tender has been awarded for 21 km of resurfacing west of Regina.

The improvement project on Highway 1 will take place on the westbound lanes from 15 km west to 36 km west of the Junction of Highways 1 and 6. On the eastbound lanes, sections will be repaired from 3 km west to 18 km west of the Junction of Highways 1 and 6. Ramco Paving Ltd. of Regina was awarded the contract.

"This resurfacing project is part of our commitment to building better highways," Highways and Transportation Minister Maynard Sonntag said. "Road construction is expected to begin in May, and should be completed in June. This project is valued at $2.2 million."

"Highway 1 serves as an important trade corridor and tourism link to the rest of Canada as part of the National Highway System. The improvements to Highway 1 will enhance safety and support economic development, demonstrating once again that transportation is a priority for the Government of Saskatchewan," Sonntag said.

This project is included on Saskatchewan Highways and Transportation's 2003-04 Winter Tender Schedule (WTS). The WTS lists a total of 29 highway improvement projects, one bridge rehabilitation and 15 gravel stockpiling contracts up for tender to Saskatchewan's road building industry this winter. The total value of the WTS is $72.8 million.

The WTS represents about half of the highway improvement projects that will take place in 2004. They're tendered in the winter to get a jump on the spring and summer construction season. Additional projects will be announced when the 2004-05 budget is released.

For more information about construction and other Saskatchewan Highways and Transportation activities, visit the web site at www.highways.gov.sk.ca.

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For More Information, Contact:

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