REGINA — In a joint announcement with industry groups, the province of Saskatchewan has created a road network that could eventually see increased primary weight access throughout the province.

The province, along with CTP Transportation Committee, the Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities (SARM), and the Saskatchewan Urban Municipalities Association (SUMA), says that “Clearing the Path (CTP) Primary Weight Corridor” is a significant step in boosting the economic potential for rural and urban communities.

“We applaud the work of our partners to create this network, which will link nearly 4,500 km of municipal road to municipalities and communities,” Government Relations Minister Harry Van Mulligen said. “Municipalities have identified that primary weight restrictions can be an obstacle to economic growth. Today’s announcement removes that obstacle and positions communities to take advantage of their economic potential.”

Transportation Minister Buckley Belanger said the network will result in reduced transportation-related costs for businesses and agricultural producers, ease the financial burden on municipalities responsible for maintaining municipal roads, and enhance road safety for truckers and drivers.

“Through extensive consultation, we heard that one of the biggest barriers to economic development in some areas is the lack of primary weight roads,” CTP Transportation Chair Richard Porter said. “With maintenance funding from the provincial government, this program will help Saskatchewan communities better attract development opportunities and grow their own industries.”

The 2007-08 provincial budget included $5 million for the program. Funding will increase to $10 million in the 2008-09 budget, and also assist in the upgrading of corridor roads.