The Government of Saskatchewan plans to invest $52 million in 2020-21 to replace or extend the life of highway bridges and culverts in the province.
These projects are part of the Government of Saskatchewan’s $7.5 billion two-year capital plan to build a strong Saskatchewan and stimulate Saskatchewan’s economic recovery.
“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. “These projects are another way we can build for the future while helping our recovery from the global pandemic.”
This year’s investments keep Saskatchewan on target to meet its Growth Plan goals of rebuilding 200 bridges and replacing 2,000 culverts over the next decade.
A number of bridges are undergoing major repairs:
• Highway 11 over the CN Rail line north of Saskatoon at Warman ($1.1 million);
• Highway 1 over the CP Rail line near Swift Current (contract to be tendered);
• Highway 1 over the CP Rail line near Maple Creek ($3.8 million); and
• Highway 376 over the North Saskatchewan River at Maymont ($2.2 million).
Two major bridge rehabilitation projects have already been completed this year:
• 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 plans to replace 18 to 20 short span bridges including a $3 million replacement bridge on Highway 5 over the Assiniboine River near Kamsack. In addition, the government will replace 130 culverts across the province.
Traffic accommodations will be in place during construction projects but travellers should expect delays and plan ahead. Bridge work often requires lane closures or reduced lane width. As a result, drivers can expect to see reduced speed limits, even when workers are not present.
A weekly highway construction update is published on www.saskatchewan.ca to provide the latest details on projects underway to help plan safe and efficient travel.
Check the Highway Hotline for road restriction information before planning your trip at www.saskatchewan.ca/highwayhotline. Report a highway work zone issue at 1-844-SK-HIWAY.
Since 2008, the province has repaired or replaced more than 300 bridges and more than 1,600 culverts.
During that time, the Government of Saskatchewan has invested more than $9.8 billion in highways infrastructure, improving more than 15,500 kilometres of Saskatchewan highways.
