REGINA, Sask. — Highways Minister Kim Gartner reminded motorists to watch for work zones as several Ministry of Highways projects continue across the province.
“Investing in bridges and highways across Saskatchewan helps keep our communities connected and our transportation network safe and reliable,” Gartner said.
Projects currently underway include bridge replacement, culvert installation and paving work.
Highway 165 Smoothstone River
A new permanent two-lane bridge is being built over the Smoothstone River after the previous bridge collapsed because of flooding and ice jams.
An estimated $2.5 million was invested earlier this year to install a temporary one-lane bridge and reopen the highway to traffic.
Construction on the new permanent bridge, estimated at $4.4 million, began in early September. The new bridge is expected to be fully open to traffic by late fall.
Highway 5 near Muenster
Work is expected to begin in early October to replace a culvert damaged by flooding earlier this year.
The estimated $500,000 project will use boring, a trenchless installation process that allows the culvert to be installed without open excavation.
Traffic may be temporarily stopped during construction. The project is expected to be completed by late fall.
Highway 5 northwest of Wadena
An estimated $800,000 project began last week to install two culverts using open excavation.
The work is required because of flooding conditions this summer. Traffic will be reduced to one lane while construction is underway.
The project is expected to be completed by late fall.
Highway 44 in Danielson Provincial Park
An estimated $1.8 million paving project began last week within Danielson Provincial Park.
The project includes paving more than four kilometres of Highway 44 through the recreational facility to maintain the existing infrastructure.
The work is expected to be completed this year.
Project timelines are subject to weather conditions.
Motorists are encouraged to check Saskatchewan's Highway Hotline before travelling through areas affected by construction.
The Highway Hotline provides information about provincial road construction, closures caused by fires, flooding or other incidents, as well as ferry status.
More information is available through the Highway Hotline.
