IMPROVING HIGHWAY 1 NEAR WOLSELEY

A tender has been awarded for resurfacing 10.3 km of Highway 1 near Wolseley this construction season.

"We are maintaining our focus on building better highways," Highways and Transportation Minister Mark Wartman said. "Work on this $1.44 million resurfacing project is expected to begin in early July, and should be completed by the end of July. An estimated 24 full-time workers will be needed to complete the project."

The improvement project on Highway 1 will involve both eastbound and westbound lanes. Construction will begin in the eastbound lanes from 2.2 km west of the Wolseley Access to 3.2 km east. Construction in the westbound lanes will begin from 2.6 km west of the Wolseley Access to 7.5 km west. Ramco Paving Ltd. of Regina was awarded the contract.

"Highway 1 has experienced an increase in truck traffic, leading to wear and tear on this section. It also serves as an important tourism link and trade corridor to the rest of Canada as part of the National Highway System," said Wartman. "Saskatchewan Highways and Transportation is working hard to fix roads across the province to improve driver safety. Sustainable investment in our infrastructure, such as resurfacing major highways, is essential to our economic future and to maintaining our quality of life."

The government of Saskatchewan has committed $293 million for building better highways in 2002-2003. The department's recent Winter Tender Schedule valued at $70.9 million highlighted 36 different highway improvement projects, with a length of 490 km that are planned to be completed in the 2003-2004 construction season.

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