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4. Construction Begins on the Circle Drive South Project

Construction Begins on the Circle Drive South Project

No. H067/10
For release - May 28, 2010

OTTAWA — The Honourable Stockwell Day, President of the Treasury Board and Minister for the Asia-Pacific Gateway, as well as the Honourable Brad Wall, Premier of Saskatchewan, and Donald J. Atchison, mayor of Saskatoon, participated in a groundbreaking ceremony today to mark the start of construction of the Circle Drive South Project. They were joined by the Honourable Lynne Yelich, Minister of State (Western Economic Diversification), Brad Trost, Member of Parliament for Saskatoon-Humboldt, and Kelly Block, Member of Parliament for Saskatoon-Rosetown-Biggar.

“This project reflects our commitment to investing in transportation infrastructure that supports the movement of merchandise by reducing traffic congestion and commute times, improving air quality and building a stronger national economy,” said Minister Day. “The completion of Circle Drive will help Saskatchewan shippers participate fully in the international trade that is so important to the economic prosperity of this region.”

Expected to be complete by fall 2012, the Circle Drive project consists of the construction of approximately eight kilometres of freeway-class roadway with interchanges at key crossroads, rail grade separations and a new crossing over the South Saskatchewan River.

The project also includes the construction of a new bridge that will act as an urban bypass and will help divert the traffic from Saskatoon’s downtown core.

The upgrades will have numerous benefits for both the general public and commercial traffic. It will reduce congestion and vehicle emissions, as well as decrease travel delays for vehicles crossing the city.

“This is one more step the provincial government is taking to support the growth of our major urban centres,” said Premier Wall. “This massive project will improve the flow of traffic in and around Saskatoon, improve efficiency for shippers to connect with national and international trade routes, reduce congestion and enhance safety.”

“This is a moment in history,” said Mayor Atchison. “The Circle Drive South Project, including the new south bridge, will finally make Circle Drive a complete circle. It will allow our citizens to get where they need to go faster and more efficiently, and connect our east- and west-end communities. With tremendous support from the federal and provincial governments, we have improved the connectivity and cultural well-being of our city, now and into the future.”

The Government of Canada, in partnership with the Province of Saskatchewan and the City of Saskatoon, is committing a total of $96 million to the Saskatoon Circle Drive Project, in support of the Asia-Pacific Gateway and Corridor Initiative.

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Date modified:

2010-05-27

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