SURFACING SET FOR HIGHWAYS 155 AND 165

Sections of Highways 155 and 165 in the vicinity of Beauval and Buffalo Narrows

are about to receive a number of surfacing improvements totalling 43 km.



"On-road work for this $3.9 million project began in early September with the

completion anticipated in June of 2001," Highways and Transportation Minister

Maynard Sonntag said. "Completion of this job will require an estimated 40

full-time workers."



Potzus Construction Ltd. of Yorkton was awarded the contract as the lowest of

seven bidders. The upgrades will take place on various sections of Highway 155

south of Beauval and north of Buffalo Narrows. As well, improvements will

occur on Highway 165 from its junction with Highway 155 near Beauval to 14 km

east of this junction.



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. In total, the province will spend $34.6

million this year to preserve, maintain and improve the condition of highways

and airports in Northern Saskatchewan.



"It's important that we continue to invest in our transportation system in the

north in order to strengthen economic development opportunities in

Saskatchewan," Sonntag said.



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:



Ray Connoly, Director

Engineering Projects

Saskatoon

Phone: (306) 933-6117

(cell) 306-230-5272