Saskatchewan announces major bridge, culvert spending

REGINA — The Government of Saskatchewan plans to boost spending on bridge and culvert spending for its highways.

Officials announced an investment of $52 million over the next two years to replace or extend the life of highway bridges and culverts.

These projects are part of the province’s $7.5-billion two-year capital plan to building infrastructure and stimulate Saskatchewan’s economic recovery in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

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

Officials said the investments keep Saskatchewan on target to meet its Growth Plan goals of rebuilding 200 bridges and replacing 2,000 culverts over the next decade.

Several major bridges are currently being repaired:

• Highway 11 over the CN Rail line north of Saskatoon at Warman ($1.1 million);
• Highway 1 over the CP Rail line near Swift Current (contract to be tendered);
• Highway 1 over the CP Rail line near Maple Creek ($3.8 million); and
• Highway 376 over the North Saskatchewan River at Maymont ($2.2 million).

Two major bridge rehabilitation projects have already been completed this year:

• Highway 3 over the South Saskatchewan River southeast of Prince Albert ($650,000); and
• Highway 55 over the Saskatchewan River north of Nipawin ($700,000).

The government also aims to replace up to 20 short span bridges, including a $3 million replacement bridge on Highway 5 over the Assiniboine River near Kamsack. The province’s plans would also build 130 new culverts.