Highway 7 Saskatchewan

Canada’s Saskatchewan Government has unveiled the budget for the projects to be carried out in the 2015-16 highway construction season.

A total of $842m has been allocated for this year’s construction budget, which is a 27% increase from last year, and it also includes $560m for major capital projects, as well as highway twinning, passing lanes and overpasses.

The projects to be conducted in this season include construction of the Regina Bypass and 300km of repaving work on the province’s busiest highways, including Highways 1, 2, 6, 7, 11, and 16.

Saskatchewan highways and infrastructure minister Nancy Heppner said: "The 27% increase over last year’s budget is a clear indication that this government is committed to meeting the growing demands of our province and advancing our economy.

"The 27% increase over last year’s budget is a clear indication that this government is committed to meeting the growing demands of our province and advancing our economy."

"The projects planned for this construction season provide a better quality of life and a safer and more efficient road network for the people in the province."

Work also includes construction of overpasses at Martensville and Warman, twinning Highway 39 from Estevan to Bienfait, pre-construction work on passing lanes on Highway 5 between Saskatoon and Humboldt, as well as on Highway 6 and 39 between Regina and Estevan.

The plans also call for 150km of rural highway upgrades, along with 41 bridge and culvert projects.

Saskatchewan Heavy Construction Association president Shantel Lipp said: "The Saskatchewan Heavy Construction Association members recognise this government’s commitment to building and maintaining a safe transportation network.

"The sustained investment in infrastructure provides the foundation for a strong provincial economy and at the same time, the commitment helps our industry plan longer term.

"Please watch for orange zones and obey the black and white 60km/h signs in construction zones. This will help keep everyone safe throughout the construction season."

The government said that a weekly construction update will be published during later this year to provide the travelling public with the latest construction information.

It will also remind drivers that they will face three times the normal fines for driving faster than 60km/h in work zones.

Image: Highway 7 in the Canadian province of Saskatchewan. Photo: courtesy of the Saskatchewan government.