REPAIRS UNDERWAY TO OVERPASS ON HIGHWAY 1 AT MOOSE JAW

Construction is in progress to repair the concrete and steel bridges that comprise the overpass of Highway 2 over Highway 1 at Moose Jaw.

The work is being done by Cardinal Construction Ltd. of Moose Jaw and involves repairing concrete girders and replacing steel girders on both bridges. Westbound traffic on Highway 1 will be restricted to one lane during the construction period. Construction is expected to be complete by approximately September 30th.

"This is part of our commitment to maintain a safe and efficient highway network for the people and industries of Saskatchewan," Highways and Transportation Minister Maynard Sonntag said. "These repairs will restore part of a primary transportation corridor which supports tourism and drives the economy as part of the National Highway System."

The construction is the result of an incident which occurred on February 24th, involving a westbound truck carrying an over-height load on Highway 1. Part of the load, an empty anhydrous ammonia storage tank, struck portions of the undersides of the northbound and southbound overpasses of Highway 2. The repair work is being funded through the insurance claim resulting from the incident.

Traffic flow through the construction area will be required to reduce speeds to 60 km/h or less. Remember to be alert for flagpersons, workers and equipment in the Orange Zone.

Some of the key initiatives in 2005 for Saskatchewan Highways and Transportation include completing 25 safety improvement projects, upgrading 147 km of thin membrane surface (TMS) highways and opening a total of 57 km of newly twinned lanes on Highways 1 and 16.

For more information about these and other activities, visit the department's website at www.highways.gov.sk.ca.

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For More Information, Contact:

Jamie Shanks Highways and Transportation Regina Phone: (306) 787-4805