Saskatchewan continues to build high clearance trucking corridor

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KENASTON, Sask. — Saskatchewan continues to develop a high clearance corridor for overheight loads, most recently turning its attention to Hwy. 15 east of Kenaston.

The province will spend a bout $45 million to rebuild Hwy. 15 between the junction of Hwys. 11 and 2. Currently, this stretch is a thin membrane surface road. It will be paved to accommodate heavy loads and will be capable of handling the heaviest loads allowed by the province.

The first stage of construction will begin this winter with the project slated for completion in 2015, the province announced. Part of the project involves burying all utility lines to allow overheight loads to be transported over the highway.

“This is one of many initiatives we’re putting in place to simplify business for shippers and make Saskatchewan’s business climate more attractive to companies that ship their goods by truck,” Highways and Infrastructure Minister Jim Reiter said. “By upgrading the highway and burying the utilities, we are literally removing a barrier to trade and industry will now be able to move such things as large machinery, oilfield equipment, ready-to-move homes or parts more efficiently.”

SaskPower is in the process of moving or burying power lines that interfere with the movement of oversized loads along Hwys. 7 and 15. Previously, shippers had to work with the utility to have lines raised or cut with each move.

Shippers and truckers will have to pay a permit fee to use the overheight corridor, but it will cost significantly less than paying the utility to raise or cut the lines. It’s hoped the $2.3 million cost of burying the lines will be recouped through permit fees, the province announced.

Once the initial cost is covered, the permit fees will be allocated to ongoing maintenance and highway upgrades.

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