Saskatchewan highways minister Kim Gartner highlighted bridge and culvert work progressing in the Meadow Lake, Grenfell and Wolseley areas on Aug. 21, with projects totalling more than $10 million aimed at improving travel for motorists and supporting the province’s export-based economy.
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“These projects will contribute to a better provincial highway network for all who use it to access key services and travel to Saskatchewan’s wonderful tourism destinations, while supporting business and industry who move their goods and services,” Gartner said in a provincial release.
Meadow Lake area projects
A $1.7 million bridge replacement project on Highway 304 near Meadow Lake began site work on Aug. 4 and is expected to be completed by the end of the year. The existing bridge needs to be replaced because of spring flood damage.
A separate $5.9 million bridge project on Highway 903 at the Waterhen River in the Meadow Lake area began June 4 and was recently completed. The province said a new bridge was needed because the existing one was nearing the end of its service life.
The work is part of ongoing infrastructure improvements in northern Saskatchewan, similar to recent bridge and road repairs in the Wakaw and Rosthern areas.
Trans-Canada Highway culvert work
An estimated $2.4 million project will see seven culverts installed at various locations on Trans-Canada Highway 1 between Grenfell and Wolseley. The project was expected to begin the week of Aug. 17 and be completed this fall.
Traffic lanes on the twinned highway may be reduced during construction to safely accommodate the work, according to the province. Project timelines are subject to weather.
The minister reminded drivers to watch out for work zones and drive to current highway conditions.
Highway investment
With this year’s budget, the Government of Saskatchewan has invested more than $14.6 billion in transportation infrastructure since 2008, improving more than 22,700 kilometres of highways across the province.
Drivers are encouraged to check the Highway Hotline for the latest available information about ongoing provincial road construction to plan their routes. The Highway Hotline provides information about closures related to fires, flooding or other incidents, along with the status of ferries.
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