WINTER TENDER SCHEDULE TO HELP DRIVE PROVINCIAL ECONOMY

Saskatchewan Highways and Transportation's 2004-05 Winter Tender Schedule will provide a substantial number of jobs for the road building industry and lists highway improvement projects that support economic development in Saskatchewan.

The Winter Tender Schedule lists an estimated $79.5 million worth of new construction and gravel stockpiling projects, allowing the department to get a head start on the 2005 construction season.

"Transportation is a driver for the provincial economy, providing jobs and enhancing tourism and economic development opportunities," Highways and Transportation Minister Maynard Sonntag said. "This is another substantial Winter Tender Schedule, demonstrating the province's ongoing commitment to invest in highway improvements."

A total of 29 highway improvement projects, three bridge rehabilitation projects, one drainage structure project, one right-of-way clearing project and 11 gravel stockpiling projects will be up for tender to Saskatchewan's road building industry this fall and winter.

These projects will not only serve to strengthen Saskatchewan's highway network, but will also create full-time jobs for an estimated 795 construction workers. Approximately 189 of those jobs will begin this winter with the balance in the 2005 construction season.

"The Roadbuilders and Heavy Construction Association of Saskatchewan applauds the department for the early release date on the Winter Tender Schedule," Association President Brent Hendry said. "In conjunction with this, it is very important that the actual contract tender is advertised and put for bid as soon as possible to allow contractors time to complete projects in an efficient manner.

Early tendering allows contractors to plan ahead, to retain seasonable employees, and results in job and cost efficiencies," Hendry said.

The Winter Tender Schedule represents approximately 63 per cent of planned construction activity in 2005-06. Additional projects may be added this winter pending contractor progress and weather. Further highway improvement projects will be announced when the 2005-06 budget is released.

By releasing a Winter Tender Schedule now, timely and efficient delivery of highway improvements is ensured for the motoring public. Given our relatively short construction season, if projects planned for 2005-06 were not tendered until the spring of 2005, many highway improvement projects would not be completed next summer.

The winter tenders also minimize road damage by hauling gravel while the roadbeds are frozen.

Highlights of the 2004-05 Winter Tender Schedule include:

• 225.2 km of pavement resurfacing valued at $27.9 million;
• 78.3 km of grading and paving valued at $18.9 million;
• 61.8 km of paving valued at $16.8 million;
• 18.2 km of grading valued at $4 million;
• 3 bridge projects valued at $5.2 million; and
• 11 stockpiling contracts valued at $6.7 million.

Major initiatives include:

• 53.7 km of twinning work on Highways 1 and 16;
• Over 100 km of thin membrane surface rural highways converted to a paved standard province-wide.

To view the Winter Tender Schedule and map, and find out about 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 Cell: (306) 536-9692