The Government of Saskatchewan is preparing to tender $437 million in new highway projects which they say is the largest in the province’s history.
The province is looking to improve more than 1,000 kilometres of provincial highways this year as part of a larger 10-year goal of building and upgrading 10,000 kilometres of highways. The Ministry of Highways and Infrastructure publishes tender plans in the fall and spring so construction companies can prepare to bid on upcoming projects.
A 3.4 kilometre truck climbing lane on Highway 21 near the Toby Nollet Bridge will be tendered as part of the 2020 fall plans. The tender is scheduled to be advertised in January 2021.
Other projects include the completion of a multi-year, multi passing lane project on Highway 7 from Saskatoon to the Saskatchewan/Alberta border.
“For the last several years, our industry has been asking the provincial government to release the Fall Tender Schedule earlier,” says Saskatchewan Heavy Construction Association President Shantel Lipp. “This is the earliest the Fall Tender Schedule has been released and it will help our industry plan much more effectively and ensure gravel is where it needs to be for the start of the construction season next May.”
The new projects look to stimulate the economy as well as improve safety and reliability of highways across the province. Start dates for construction will depend on when the tender is awarded, contractor availability and weather.