BIG BYPASS
Broda Group sets the stage for massive P3 project around Regina
By Heather Hudson
When it comes to heavy construction, it doesn’t
get any bigger than the Regina Bypass Project.
When complete in 2019, the $1.88-billion in-frastructure
upgrade will boast 12 new overpasses, 40 km of new
four-lane highway (plus an additional 20 km of resurfaced highway)
and 55 km of new service roads.
The project is a public-private partnership (P3) between the
Government of Saskatchewan and the Regina Bypass Partners – a
consortium of design, construction and maintenance operators, as
well as creditors and equity sponsors. The Ministry of Highways and
Infrastructure (MHI) is overseeing the project.
The largest infrastructure project in Saskatchewan’s history in-volves
dozens of contracting and construction companies – big and
small – from across the province, creating 8,200 jobs.
David Stearns, executive director of major projects, Regina
Bypass Project, MHI, says the execution of the massive undertaking
is being carefully coordinated to ensure a safe process for workers
and the public.
“The safety of the travelling public and the mobility that direct-ly
links to the economy will be the final measures of success for this
project,” he says.
Why does the city need the Regina
Bypass Project?
For years, traffic safety and congestion have been serious problems
along Regina’s Victoria Avenue and Highway 1 East. An increasing
number of public and commercial vehicles share the busy artery
and a number of at-grade intersections have resulted in numerous
traffic injuries and fatalities. Phase 1 of the project – to be complet-ed
in 2017 – will address this stretch of highway, eliminating the
problematic intersections and upgrading the roadway.
The Sentes Borrow Pit on the east side of
Regina. Material from this pit is being used
to construct subgrade and bridge abutments
for the new bypass and service roads from
Highway 1 East to Wascana Creek.
44 Think BIG | Quarter 3 2016 | saskheavy.ca
/saskheavy.ca