New truck route for Gull Lake, SK

The Saskachewan town of Gull Lake is celebrating a new truck route thanks to a partnership between the Ministry of Highways and Infrastructure and the regional municipality of Gull Lake.

The province contributed $1 million that covered 30 per cent of the project costs. This allowed the municipality to lift and pave existing infrastructure to a standard capable of carrying heavy trucks. The upgraded road now provides a route for heavy traffic to bypass the Town of Gull Lake.

“Enhancements to this road mean that there is more support for economic and social development in the area,” Highways and Infrastructure Minister Nancy Heppner said. “Our contribution to Gull Lake’s initiative has resulted in a safer and more efficient corridor for local, provincial and national traffic.”
Crews began work mid-June and finished July 17. The finished truck route connects the TransCanada to Highway 37 that leads to a border crossing with the United States.

“Constructing this bypass means that about four to five hundred trucks a day are diverted around the town,” Gull Lake Reeve Douglas Steele said. “Safety has been greatly improved and we have a better road for trucks to ship goods to the international market. This bypass really benefits everyone.”

Another major project is continuing on Highway 42 between Keeler and Eyebrow, as grading work began on July 15. As well, two new bridges are being constructed near Milligan Creek and Hay Meadow Creek, and one is being rehabilitated near Belle Plaine. Projects which will be completed include a seal coat on Highway 16 near Elfros and the paving work on Highway 18 from the Manitoba border to Carievale.