The federal and provincial governments announced funding on Friday for two new highway interchanges by Warman and Martensville.
A large Canadian company, Peter Kiewit Infrastructure Co. (PKIC), was granted the $60.6-million project.
Half of the project will be funded by the Government of Canada and the other half by the Government of Saskatchewan.
“Providing these new interchanges that will improve the flow of transportation and do so in a modern, safe and efficient way it is just exceedingly important,” said Ralph Goodale, the federal public safety and emergency preparedness minister.
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That cost doesn’t include land associated with the project because the provincial government is still negotiating with some landowners.
The Saskatchewan Ministry of Highways and Infrastructure said expropriation will take place in some areas because many land owners are involved in a project this size.
“Expropriation allows us to have access to the land, but it also allows us ongoing time to go in mediation and negotiations with landowners,” said Nancy Heppner, with the ministry.
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With approximately 14,000 vehicles driving on Highway 12 everyday, the new interchange will disperse traffic along Main Street and Centennial Drive in Martensville, improve safety an allow for future developments.
Similarly, in Warman the new interchange located along Highway 11 and 305 will allow for a safe commuting route.
“I’ve seen the increase in traffic. I’ve also spoken to people affected by the tragedies because of the accidents and deaths that have occurred on these highways. So this is huge for these communities,” Heppner said.
Pre-construction is scheduled to begin in the next few months and the project is expected to employ 50 local workers.
The ministry expects both interchanges north of Saskatoon to be operational in 2019.
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