The Government of Saskatchewan has announced it is investing $52 million to replace or extend the life of highway bridges and culverts this year.
This is included in the Government of Saskatchewan’s $7.5 billion two-year capital plan to stimulate the economy in the wake of COVID-19.
A number of bridges will see repairs: the most relevant project in our area is Highway 376 over the North Saskatchewan River at Maymont ($2.2 million).
Others outlined in a news release are:
• Highway 11 over CN Rail line north of Saskatoon at Warman ($1.1 million);
• Highway 1 over CP Rail line near Swift Current (contract to be tendered);
• Highway 1 over CP Rail line near Maple Creek ($3.8 million).
Already completed are two major bridge rehabilitation projects: Highway 3 over the South Saskatchewan River southeast of Prince Albert ($650,000); and Highway 55 over the Saskatchewan River north of Nipawin ($700,000).
The government also states in a news release that they plan to replace 18 to 20 short span bridges including a $3 million replacement bridge on Highway 5 over the Assiniboine River near Kamsack.
As for culverts, 130 will replaced across the province.
“Building bridges and culverts will boost the economy while improving infrastructure that will serve the province for decades to come,” Highways and Infrastructure Minister Greg Ottenbreit said in a statement. “These projects are another way we can build for the future while helping our recovery from the global pandemic.”
During construction, traffic accommodations will be in place but travellers can expect delays, with lane closures or reduced lane width. Drivers can expect reduced speed limits, even with workers not present.
For more information you can check the weekly highway construction update on www.saskatchewan.ca to provide details on projects under way, as well as the Highway Hotline for road restriction information at www.saskatchewan.ca/highwayhotline.
