FINAL PHASE OF $6.7 MILLION BATTLEFORDS BRIDGE REHAB UNDERWAY

Construction is now underway on the fourth and final phase of the rehabilitation of the northbound Battlefords Bridge over the North Saskatchewan River, located on Highway 4 south of North Battleford.

“With the completion of the final phase of this multi-year project, the government will have invested $6.7 million to completely renew the bridge by increasing the width, resurfacing the bridge deck and strengthening the girders,” Highways and Transportation Minister Eldon Lautermilch said.  “Motorists will enjoy a safer, smoother journey over the bridge for the long-term.”

Phase four, valued at $1.5 million, includes sandblasting and painting the steel girders and bracing, as well as painting the curbs and other finishing work.  This work is necessary to provide corrosion protection for the structural steel.  While most of the work will be taking place under the bridge, the roadway portion of the bridge will still need to be used for equipment and, at times, by workers.

Traffic will be restricted to one full lane (five metres) from May 7 to around mid-September, 2007.  Signage will be posted and motorists will be required to slow to 40 km through the construction zone.  Motorists can expect some delays.  Provisions are in place to accommodate over-width loads including farm implement equipment.  For more information call the North Battleford Area Office at 306-446-7778.

To date, the following work has been completed on the bridge:

• Phase 1 - strengthening of the steel girders in 2004 at a cost of $770,000;
• Phase 2 - rehabilitation of the concrete bridge deck on the west half of the roadway in 2005 at a cost of $1.6 million; and
• Phase 3 - removal of the sidewalk, widening and rehabilitation of the concrete deck on the east half of the roadway, replacement of the waterproofing system and asphalt surfacing in 2006 at a cost of $2.8 million.

Motorists are reminded once again to slow to 40 km per hour through this construction zone and to watch carefully for workers and equipment.

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For more information, contact:

Doug Wakabayashi
Highways and Transportation
Regina
Phone: 306-787-4804
Email: dwakabayashi@highways.gov.sk.ca
Cell: 306-536-0049