Sask. invests $52M for work on bridges, culverts

More than 150 bridges and culverts are to be repaired or replaced in Saskatchewan in 2020.

The provincial government announced Thursday it plans to invest $52 million in the projects. It’s part of the province’s two-year, $7.5-billion investment in infrastructure.

“Building bridges and culverts will boost the economy while improving infrastructure that will serve the province for decades to come,” Highways and Infrastructure Minister Greg Ottenbreit said in a media release.

“These projects are another way we can build for the future while helping our recovery from the global pandemic.”

Among the bridges to be repaired are:

• Highway 11 over the CN Rail line north of Saskatoon at Warman (at a cost of $1.1 million);
• The Trans-Canada Highway over the CP Rail line near Swift Current (contract to be tendered);
• The Trans-Canada Highway over the CP Rail line near Maple Creek ($3.8 million); and,
• Highway 376 over the North Saskatchewan River at Maymont ($2.2 million).

Work on two bridges — on Highway 3 over the South Saskatchewan River southeast of Prince Albert ($650,000) and on Highway 55 over the Saskatchewan River north of Nipawin ($700,000) — already have been completed.

As well, 18 to 20 short-span bridges are to be replaced. That includes a $3-million replacement bridge on Highway 5 over the Assiniboine River near Kamsack.

The government also is to replace 130 culverts across the province this year.

Drivers are reminded they should expect delays during the construction projects, with reduced speed limits and narrower lanes.