the transportation industry. Trading and exporting are vital to
Saskatchewan’s economic activity. It’s a multi billion-dollar sector
that connects provincial products like grains and potash to glob-al
markets.
A maintained emphasis on quality infrastructure and, in some
cases, expanded infrastructure like roads and highways allows the
economy to flow and for continued growth in the province. With
more than 75 per cent of its products exported, Saskatchewan is the
most trade-reliant province in the country.
For the thousands of the kilometres of highway in Saskatchewan,
maintaining quality is a massive undertaking.
“It’s an expensive project for our governments to contribute to,
but for how critical it is...there’s no question it has to be there,” said
Richards. “Not only does it mean divided highway access where you
have the ability to pass instead of being stuck in a two-lane situa-tion,
but we’re also talking about the quality of roads. And that’s a
key issue.
“New highway road construction is more than just new roads and
the twinning of roads. It’s the quality of the road and the smooth-ness
of the road that makes a big difference. Highway construction
impacts not only accessibility and the velocity (at which you can
travel), but it also really impacts safety.”
Richards points to the twinning of a 19-kilometre stretch along
the Trans-Canada Highway east of the Alberta 16 years ago as a
prime example. Heavy traffic and unpredictable weather along this
previous single-lane corridor played a role in several fatal collisions.
Now, with the two lanes of traffic flowing in each direction, drivers
experience the benefit of this upgraded infrastructure.
Call: 306-550-8165
Email: nathan.duncan@sitech-wc.ca
www.sitech-wc.ca
FEATURE
ANDREI TUDORAN/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM
20 Think BIG | Quarter 1 2017 | saskheavy.ca
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