Record Highways Budget Tops $1 Billion
For the first time in Saskatchewan history, the Highways and Infrastructure Budget tops $1 billion. This marks another record investment in provincial roads and infrastructure.
For the first time in Saskatchewan history, the Highways and Infrastructure Budget tops $1 billion. This marks another record investment in provincial roads and infrastructure.
“Saskatchewan drivers can expect to see work on projects in virtually every corner of the province,” Highways and Infrastructure Minister Nancy Heppner said. “This year’s plan includes major projects, in addition to much-needed repairs to many of our rural highways that will keep our growing economy strong.”
The $1.15 billion 2016-17 Highways and Infrastructure Budget includes:
- $355 million for capital construction;
- $30 million in new funding for the first year of the Highways 2020 Plan – a three-year, $70 million surge in highway repair and maintenance; and
- $500 million for the Regina Bypass.
More than 1,300 km of provincial highways will see repairs or upgrades this year. Highlights include:
- Continuing work on major projects like the Regina Bypass and twinning on Highways 7 and 16 near Saskatoon and Highway 39 between Estevan and Bienfait;
- Starting construction on new overpasses at Warman and Martensville;
- Upgrading more than 100 km of rural highways to improve safety and access, including Highway 322 north of Silton and Highway 354 near Dilke; and
- 200 km of repaving.
As part of the Highways 2020 Plan, $30 million will be invested in repairs to many highways throughout the province, including Highways 220 and 322 in the Silton-Strasbourg area; Highway 924 to Dore Lake; Highway 340 north of Radisson; Highway 376 between Maymont and Asquith; Highway 45 south of Outlook; and Highway 58 between Chaplin and Shamrock.
“We committed to invest $2.7 billion over four years, in addition to completing the Regina Bypass,” Heppner said. “This Budget is a solid step toward meeting those goals.
“Our track record when it comes to highways is clear. Since coming to office, we’ve invested more than $6.3 billion, including the funding in this budget, to improve more than 11,000 km of roads and highways.”