Estevan’s new truck bypass should be finished in early November, according to Saskatchewan Ministry of Highways and Infrastructure spokesperson Sonja Orban.
The finishing touches are currently being applied to the route, which will span north of the city. The remaining tasks include installing signage, synchronizing of the CP Rail signals near the west access point, marking the pavement and repairing any slope and erosion problems. Twelve of the 13 kilometres for the slope and erosion repairs are now finished.
The work on the CP Rail crossing is the biggest task remaining.
“While it may look like work is nearing completion, the CP Rail signalization is quite intricate to install, and so installation is required for safety before we open the road,” said Orban.
As part of the complex electronic railway crossing warning system, items to be installed include gates, lights and sensors to warn motorists on the bypass of an approaching train.
Orban said they don’t have an official date for when the truck bypass will be open. But there doesn’t appear to be any lingering work that would further push back the bypass’ opening beyond the first few days of November.
The asphalt phase of the bypass was completed in September. Stop signs have been installed on Highway 47 north of the city where the highway intersects with the bypass. The signs will be covered until the bypass opens, and then they will come into effect. Traffic on the bypass will have the right-of-way.
Orban said they haven’t finalized a date for the grand opening of the bypass, but normally they would like to have the celebration as close to the opening date for a new road as close
as possible.
