Land acquisition along the proposed Estevan bypass is coming to an end as the Ministry of Highways will begin expropriating land that it couldn't acquire through negotiation.
Expropriation isn't a particularly lengthy procedure, but it will take some time to complete. No construction will begin before those proceedings are final, said Doug Wakabayashi, director of media relations at the Ministry of Highways, so he said construction is not likely to commence along the bypass until some time next year.
"We still need to get title to all the necessary land before construction starts. The outstanding land that we haven't been able to acquire through negotiation, we are beginning expropriation proceedings," said Wakabayashi. "Once we have title to all the land we will shortly thereafter proceed to tender."
The ministry isn't sure how long expropriation proceedings will take, and it's doubtful any construction aside from some preparation work would be completed before next spring.
Estevan Mayor Roy Ludwig said there were to be three evaluations and at the end of the process, any outstanding files would proceed to expropriation.
"We do understand that the province has been working diligently on this file for a number of years," said Ludwig. "Yorkton started about the same time, and they're already done most of their bypass."
Because it is a matter that falls purely within provincial jurisdiction, Ludwig said the City does not get involved.
"We're patiently waiting, and have been for some time, to actually see some movement on our heavy truck bypass, so we're hoping that sooner, rather than later, (the bypass) will happen."
The action by way of expropriating land is a part of the process in moving the truck bypass file forward.
Designs have yet to be finalized on the proposed bypass, and Ludwig said the City is continuing to lobby for access from Sister Roddy Road and Kensington Avenue onto the bypass. There is a plan to incorporate access onto the bypass at Highway 47 north of the city.
"We were looking at a couple of points onto the bypass. As we move forward in the process, these discussions will continue to take place. Maybe one point will be moved in favour of another as we get a better understanding of the definitive plan," said Ludwig.
There have been changes made to the bypass plans over the years, and the City will continue to work with the ministry on updating the design based on foreseen future needs.
"It's early to say at this stage exactly what the finished product will look like, but we're getting closer and closer to that," said Ludwig, who noted the RM of Estevan is also involved in discussions as one of the parties involved in the project.
Ludwig said there will have to be extra lanes where the bypass intersects with other roads. Merging lanes are a necessity when the bypass connects with Highway 39, because vehicles will have to get up to speed in order to safely return to the highway.
