IMPROVING HIGHWAYS IN THE YORKTON AREA

Construction got underway on Highway 8 northeast of Yorkton this week, while three other highway improvement projects in the Yorkton area are ongoing or set to begin.

"These projects are part of our commitment to building better highways," Highways and Transportation Minister Maynard Sonntag said. "We're working to rehabilitate some key transportation corridors in east central Saskatchewan to enhance safety, and support tourism and regional economic development."

On Highway 8, construction is now underway on 15.5 km of resurfacing near Kamsack, from north of the junction of Highway 5 to just south of the junction with the St. Phillips access road. Morsky Construction Ltd. of Regina is the contractor on this $1.3 million project, which should wrap up in early September.

On Highway 9, 8 km is being resurfaced south of Yorkton, from the junction of Highway 22 to 8 km north. Morsky Construction Ltd. of Regina is the contractor on this $810,000 project, which should be complete by mid-August.

On Highway 22, construction on 3 km of subgrade strengthening is underway from 2 km to 5 km west of Lemberg. The highway will be improved with subgrade strengthening technology developed by Pavement Scientific International (PSI) of Saskatoon. Work on this $400,000 project should wrap up by the end of July.

In addition, on Highway 47 north of Buchanan, sections will be resurfaced from Buchanan to 20 km north. Highways and Transportation staff will begin work on this project in early August and should have it completed by the end of that month. The project is valued at $600,000.

Over the past three years, the province has invested $900 million in Saskatchewan's transportation network, improving 1,000 km of pavements, upgrading 750 km of rural highways, and twinning 172 km on Highways 1 and 16.

This year's budget provides an additional $294.8 million to improve another 740 km of major highways and 30 bridges, and twin 53 km 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.

-30-

For More Information, Contact:

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