Highways Minister Kim Gartner has reminded motorists to watch for work zones as construction season continues, including a bridge project over the Smoothstone River, paving at Danielson Provincial Park and culvert work near Muenster and Wadena.
“Investing in bridges and highways across Saskatchewan helps keep our communities connected and our transportation network safe and reliable,” Gartner said. “Whether it’s work at Smoothstone River, Danielson Provincial Park, Muenster or Wadena, these projects are about maintaining the infrastructure Saskatchewan people, businesses and communities rely on every day.”
Some highlights of Ministry of Highways projects include:
Highway 165 Smoothstone River Temporary and New Permanent Bridges
An estimated $2.5 million was invested earlier this year to install and open to traffic a temporary one-lane bridge after the previous permanent bridge collapsed due to flooding and ice jams. The temporary bridge will remain in place until the new permanent two-lane bridge, estimated at $4.4 million, is completed. Construction on the new permanent bridge began in early September and is expected to be fully open to traffic by late fall.
Highway 5 near Muenster
Work is expected to begin in early October to install a culvert using a process known as boring (trenchless culvert installation). The culvert needs to be replaced due to flooding earlier this year. The estimated $500,000 project is expected to be completed by late fall.
Highway 5 northwest of Wadena
An estimated $800,000 project to install two culverts by open excavation began in late September. The work is necessary due to this summer’s flood conditions. The project is expected to be completed by late fall.
Highway 44 within Danielson Provincial Park
Work began in late September on an estimated $1.8 million project to pave more than four kilometres within the recreational facility to maintain the infrastructure. The project is expected to be completed this year.
Project timelines are subject to weather.