Construction resumes on Lewvan/Highway 1 interchange in Regina

REGINA, July 29 /CNW Telbec/ - Work is underway once again this week at the intersection of Highway 1 and Lewvan Drive on the $34-million interchange in southwest Regina.

"The new interchange will address a long-term safety concern for motorists at this busy intersection and will support efficient traffic flow as volumes at this location increase," said Saskatchewan's Highways and Infrastructure Minister Jim Reiter. "We expect traffic volumes will continue to grow as commercial, residential and industrial development proceeds in southwest Regina."

This project is being jointly funded by the provincial and federal governments. Through the Building Canada Fund, the Government of Canada will contribute $16.05 million, with the province providing the remaining funding.

"The Government of Canada is pleased to be working with the Province of Saskatchewan on this important project that will improve the safety of commuters and contribute to economic growth," said Andrew Scheer, Member of Parliament for Regina-Qu'Appelle. "Through this project, and others like it, our government is creating new jobs and delivering results for Canadians."

The work this year will include:

    
    -   completing the relocation of utilities;
    -   constructing the bridge; and
    -   completing all ramp embankments.

    The work in 2009 included:
    -   moving the utilities (natural gas, electrical and telephone lines);
    -   constructing interim roadways just west of the Lewvan/Highway 1
        intersection to provide temporary access onto Highway 1;
    -   constructing overpass embankments; and
    -   partially constructing two ramp embankments.
    

Completion of the ramp surfacing, bridge, paving, installation of guardrails, signage, lighting and service roads will take place in 2011. The interchange is scheduled to be open to traffic by late fall 2011.

Since construction began, traffic has been directed onto temporary access roads west of the existing intersection, with the exception of southbound traffic on Lewvan Drive wishing to turn left (east) onto Highway 1. These motorists are being routed down Gordon Road to Albert Street and can use the Albert Street interchange to access Highway 1. Heavy truck traffic is not being routed down Gordon Road but is instead required to take an alternate route.

Motorists will be required to slow to 60 km/h through the construction Orange Zone when passing highway workers and equipment.

The Government of Canada is taking important steps to support economic growth in Saskatchewan and across Canada. Canada's Economic Action Plan provides for almost $12 billion in new infrastructure stimulus funding over two years and accelerates the $33-billion Building Canada Plan, which will help address needs in communities across Canada and contribute to long-term economic growth through investments in public infrastructure, such as roads, water treatment, green energy and transit.

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For further information: James Kusie, Director of Issues Management and Parliamentary Affairs, Office of Canada's Transport Minister John Baird, Ottawa, 613-991-0700; Media Relations, Transport Canada, Ottawa, 613-993-0055; Rosann Semchuk, Saskatchewan Highways and Infrastructure, Regina, Telephone: [phone], Cell: 306-526-9345