SWIFT CURRENT, Sask. — Provincial and municipal officials gathered in Swift Current on Friday, Oct. 23, to highlight a $6.8-million highway infrastructure project nearing completion that has upgraded service roads, ramps and key roadway connections in the city.
Highways Minister Kim Gartner joined local dignitaries at the Ministry of Highways maintenance yard to provide an update on the project, which includes improvements to Highway 1 service roads and ramps, Highway 4 (Memorial Drive) and related infrastructure. Work began with survey activity in late July, followed by construction in August. The project is expected to be completed by the end of October.
"Whether it's getting to work, supporting local businesses or moving Saskatchewan products to market, good roads make a difference," Gartner said. "This $6.8 million investment means smoother travel, better connections and stronger infrastructure for Swift Current. It's another way we are keeping our economy moving and building a strong and steady Saskatchewan."
Project improvements include replacing concrete curbing and a median, installing five culverts, resurfacing Highway 1 service roads and ramps and paving sections of Highway 4.
Education Minister and Swift Current MLA Everett Hindley served as master of ceremonies for the event and said the investment reflects the province's commitment to maintaining critical transportation infrastructure.
"It's a pleasure to be here today and bring greetings on behalf of Premier Scott Moe and the Government of Saskatchewan," Hindley said. "This $6.8 million investment in local highway improvements in Swift Current will help goods move safely and efficiently while supporting a strong local economy and strong communities."
Hindley credited Ministry of Highways staff and contractors for delivering the project and noted that Saskatchewan's transportation network plays a key role in moving food, fuel and fertilizer to market.
"Our highways are essential to Saskatchewan's economic success," he said. "They connect communities, support businesses and move the products the world needs. That's why our government continues to make strategic investments in transportation infrastructure."
Swift Current Mayor Al Bridal said residents have already noticed the difference.
"Citizens of Swift Current have been enjoying the improved service roads and ramps and commenting on how smooth their commute has become," Bridal said. "We are all very grateful to the province for this investment in our community."
Speaking at the event, Bridal said many residents have thanked him for the project, though he was quick to credit the provincial government for the funding.
"This means we have smooth service roads to drive on. It's like having entirely new roads," Bridal said. "People keep patting me on the back, but I tell them this is provincial money. We appreciate the paving, and it is a huge plus for Swift Current."
Asked about the project's place within provincial transportation planning, Gartner said it was funded through the Urban Highway Connector Program, which targets roadway connections between provincial highways that pass through municipalities.
"Every year we review projects under the Urban Highway Connector Program and prioritize as many as possible," Gartner said. "It has taken some time to get to this project because of its scale, but we are pleased it is now essentially complete."
In addition to the Swift Current project, the Ministry of Highways highlighted several other investments made across southwest Saskatchewan this construction season.
Those projects include a $1.3-million bridge replacement on Highway 13 over Swan Coulee east of Consul, a $1.8-million paving project on more than four kilometres of Highway 44 in Danielson Provincial Park, approximately $9 million in routine maintenance work throughout the region, a $2.1-million surface-mixing and paving project on Highway 13 west of Cadillac, two culvert installations on Highway 19 near Mankota valued at about $400,000 and approximately $305,000 in pavement crack sealing on Highway 1 west of Gull Lake.
The City of Swift Current will continue to maintain the service roads as part of its ongoing infrastructure and maintenance responsibilities.
