Access to Balgonie should be safer beginning Monday, with the opening of the first overpass in the Regina Bypass project (RBP)
The province held an official opening ceremony for the Balgonie overpass on Thursday.
According to the province, the overpass came in on budget and ahead of schedule.
“It was scheduled for fall. We’re opening it a few months early but it is on budget, so we’re very proud of that fact,” Minister of Highways and Infrastructure David Marit said.
“The remainder of the project on time and on budget.”
Throughout the project, there had been zero injuries and zero time loss. Marit called the feat commendable.
“The RBP group really have to be commended. When you look at the equipment and the amount of people out here, and it’s big equipment, and to see no loss time is really an accomplishment,” he said.
The design of the overpass includes two roundabouts, which are designed to accommodate larger vehicles like agricultural equipment.
RBP project director Alisdair Dickinson said the roundabouts will lead to shorter delays and increase safety.
“It’s something a bit different, people will need to take the time and make sure they’ll consider what they do,” he said.
“They absolutely are a great way of controlling traffic and keeping traffic flowing.”
“The Regina Bypass will address safety concerns for the communities on Highway 1 East,” Marit said.
“The opening of the overpass will alleviate congestion and provide a safer journey for drivers.”
The stretch of highway 1 between Regina and Balgonie has seen its fair share of fatalities.
According to SGI’s traffic statistics, since 2005, 14 people have been killed. Balgonie mayor Frank Thauberger called the overpass “major” and said it’s all about “saving people from accidents”.
“We’ve had many fatalities on this highway and since this project started, we have not had one. We’re hoping to continue that trend,” Thauberger said.
The province hopes to open another overpass next Friday, on Highway 48 at White City and Emerald Park.
Opening the overpass will allow the remaining construction around the overpass to be completed. In order for that work to occur, the intersection at Highways 1 and 46 will close, and traffic will be rerouted to the overpass.
The first phase of the Regina Bypass construction between Balgonie and Highway 33 will be completed this fall, including overpasses at Balgonie, White City and Tower Road.
The Pilot Butte overpass will be partially open to traffic in 2017 and fully operational in 2018. The remainder of the bypass project will be completed by 2019.