The Government of Saskatchewan announced that they are planning on investing $52 million to replace or extend the life of several highway bridges and culverts around the province.
The projects are part of the provinces $7.5 billion two-year capital plan to build a strong Saskatchewan and stimulate Saskatchewan’s economic recovery.
Infrastructure Minister Greg Ottenbreit says that building bridges and culverts will boost the economy while improving infrastructure that will serve the province for decades to come.
“These projects are another way we can build for the future while helping our recovery from the global pandemic,” said Ottenbreit.
The province has a goal of rebuilding 200 bridges and replacing 2,000 culverts over the next decade.
The bridges being repaired include:
- 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 is also planning on replacing 18 to 20 short span bridges including a $3 million replacement bridge on Highway 5 over the Assiniboine River near Kamsack. The province is also replacing 130 culverts around Saskatchewan.
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.
