REGINA – Saskatchewan will see over 100 kilometers of highways repaved and four intersections improved with some federal financial help.
The government of Canada announced today that they have set aside $16,550,929 to help improve the core national highway system in Saskatchewan, with the province chipping in an additional $18,555,121.
Parts of Highway 16 east of Lloydminster, Highway 1 east of Regina and Highway 1 west of Swift Current will be repaved. Also sections of Highway 39 northwest of Estevan will also be repaved, and four intersections along the highway will be improved.
“Safe, modern and efficient highway infrastructure is key to connecting workers with jobs, products with markets and travellers with destinations,” said Gerry Ritz, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food. “We are proud to invest in significant infrastructure projects, like these, as we focus on creating jobs, promoting growth, and building strong, prosperous communities across Canada.”
“With our growing population and strong export-based economy, connecting Saskatchewan to the rest of Canada and beyond has never been more important,” Highways and Infrastructure Minister Don McMorris said. “The world wants what Saskatchewan has, and the National Highway System is a crucial tool for getting our food, fuel and fertilizer to market.”
Highway 39 for years has heard cries from the community that it needs improvement; over the last 5 years 19 people have died on that stretch of road. This announcement falls short of twinning though, so the news may not silence those cries altogether.
“We are happy to work with the Government of Canada on this important repaving project,” Estevan MLA Doreen Eagles said on behalf of Highways and Infrastructure Minister Don McMorris. “Highway 39 provides a vital trade and tourism route to the United States, and the improved stretch between Estevan and Macoun will benefit shippers, tourists and area residents alike.”
Highway 39 connects to Saskatchewan’s busiest border crossing and around 3,880 vehicles travel on that roadway daily.
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