WOLLASTON LAKE ICE ROAD OPEN

Northern Saskatchewan residents are able to better access their communities now that the ice road over Wollaston Lake has been completed.

The Wollaston Lake Ice Road links the community of Wollaston Lake and area with Highway 905, providing a vital transport corridor for fuel and supplies. The road is built by Hatchet Lake Denesuline First Nations Economic Development Corporation in three phases under an $80,000 contract with the department of Highways & Transportation. In addition to the construction, the contract also contains provisions for snow removal.

"We would like to congratulate the people of Wollaston Lake for their efforts to complete and maintain the road successfully each and every year," Highways and Transportation Minister Mark Wartman said. "This road provides an important lifeline necessary for the community to survive through the winter months."

The highway is a vital link for fuel and supplies to the community of Wollaston Lake. While the warm weather delays caused some anxiety, the road was completed quickly when the weather cooled enough for the ice to thicken.

Currently, the road will handle 25,000 kg in weight, but this changes regularly as the ice thickens. The department advises anyone transporting goods over this road to check the highway hotline for current load limits and ice thickness.

This project is part of the department's overall highways construction budget, which will be $293 million this year.

For more information about road construction projects, and other Saskatchewan Highways and Transportation activities, visit the website at: www.highways.gov.sk.ca.

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For More Information, Contact:

Brian W. Cook Highways & Transportation Regina Phone: (306) 787-2701 Email: bcook@highways.gov.sk.ca