REGINA, Sask. — Construction on a multi-year upgrading of Highway 368 in central Saskatchewan is now underway, with work expected to be accelerated on the more than $14 million partnership project involving the provincial government, local communities and industry, according to Saskatchewan’s highways and infrastructure ministry.

“It’s great seeing this partnership begin to turn into tangible, on-road results,” Highways and Infrastructure Minister Wayne Elhard said.

“We intend to deliver the Highway 368 corridor reconstruction over two years from the previously agreed to three. The province’s current economic momentum makes it important to try to accelerate projects where and when we can, based on the needs of local industry and communities, so that growth can be sustainable.”

About 35 km of Highway 368 will be upgraded, from south of Lake Lenore and heading north to south of St. Brieux, according to the ministry. Crews moved into the area earlier this week to begin grading work on the first 10 km from south of Lake Lenore going north. This first 10 km is planned be paved this construction season, but will be completed next year, if weather and other conditions are unfavourable. The remaining 25 km is expected to be upgraded next year to a gravel highway standard.

The partnership will result in paved access to Lake Lenore and St. Brieux and a nine-month primary weight truck haul route along the entire route.