A record $21 million is being invested in northern Saskatchewan roads this year as part of NEIS - the Province's Northern Economic Infrastructure Strategy.
"Our commitment to northern Saskatchewan is strong as we aim to improve existing roads and build new ones to help connect northern families with the broader provincial transportation network," Highways and Transportation Minister Buckley Belanger said. "We're seeing a record number of partnerships under NEIS with industry and other levels of government. This is helping to boost opportunities beyond one-time construction projects."
NEIS is one of six pillars under the Province's Transportation for Economic Advantage strategy, the 10-year, $5-billion long-term plan to realign the province's transportation network. The goals of NEIS are to provide greater opportunities to northern residents; to trigger economic growth and expansion - particularly in resource-based industries; and to enhance social and economic connections between northern residents and those in southern regions of Saskatchewan.
Of the $21 million worth of NEIS construction this year, major projects include:
The all-weather road into Wollaston Lake
- This 102 km northern road will cut through dense bush and muskeg to connect the more than 1,200 residents of Wollaston Lake with Highway 905. The community currently relies on a winter ice road and summer barge to move necessary supplies in and out. Five northern contractors have submitted proposals to clear bush from the first 35 km of the proposed new route. Selection of additional contractors will continue through the winter, with completion of the entire road slated for 2009.
The Garson Lake Road
- Known as the La Loche to Fort McMurray connector, work got underway in late August to widen and upgrade the Saskatchewan side of this northern connector. While the road ends at the Alberta border, the Province has received a commitment from Alberta that completion of the rest of the route is also a priority. Work on the Saskatchewan side is expected to be complete in September of 2008.
Community Access Roads - Ile-a-la-Crosse: Work is progressing on more than 6 km of paving work from the Ile-a-la-Crosse airport through the community. The project is a partnership between HJR Asphalt and the local development wing of the northern village, and is expected to be completed in the next few weeks.
- Patuanak: HJR Asphalt has completed 5 km of surfacing on Highway 908 south of Patuanak.
- Highway 155: HJR Asphalt will soon begin upgrading an 18 km section of the highway north of the Amyot Inn.
- Highway 106: GW Construction will begin work this winter to upgrade 9 km of road west of the Deschambault Lake access road.
- Deschambault Lake: A community project is now underway to clear 31 km of right-of-way into Deschambault Lake. Ten km of this road will be completely rebuilt involving widening and raising the road, and installing new culverts.
- Pelican Narrows: Preliminary design and testing work is now underway in preparation for paving 7 km of Highway 135 through the community next year.
Asiniy Gravel Crushing
- This past spring, the Department formally announced an agreement with Asiniy Gravel Crushing, a made-in-the-north partnership company between two First Nations and their economic wings. The agreement will see 350,000 tonnes of aggregate crushed annually for up to four years to help build and maintain roads in the north. The value of the work is in excess of $20-million and will create up to 20 full time jobs.
While this NEIS project work is proceeding entirely with provincial money, two other NEIS initiatives are currently waiting for federal participation to proceed. They include upgrading to all-weather status the 180 km road to Stony Rapids/Black Lake, as well as constructing an 80 km access road from Stony Rapids to the south shore across from Fond du Lac.
"By improving transportation links in the North, we're tapping into the enormous potential that exists with our natural resources," Belanger said. "Saskatchewan is in the midst of an economic boom and the North is ready to take full advantage of the many opportunities that lie ahead."
-30-
For more information, contact:
Lynette Piper
Highways and Transportation
Regina
Phone: 306-798-2116
Email: lpiper@highways.gov.sk.ca
News Archives
.jpg)