Construction complete on Phase 1 of Regina bypass
The first step in the $1.8-billion project to build a bypass around Regina is finished.
In a tent atop the Victoria Avenue entrance ramp east of the city, politicians and dignitaries celebrated the completion of the first milestone in the largest infrastructure project in the province’s history. The first section of the bypass runs from Balgonie to Highway 33, and also includes new overpasses at Balgonie, White City and Tower Road.
Alisdair Dickinson, the project director for Regina Bypass Design Builders, called the milestone a “massive achievement” for the team.
The project’s first phase was driven from a safety point of view, given that it was on the most populated side of the city where several serious crashes have occurred over the years.
Despite the promise of safer roads and less traffic congestion, not everyone has been pleased with the bypass. Last month, a volunteer firefighter in Balgonie raised concerns that the closure of a vital intersection in and out of the community would reduce response times.
David Marit, minister of Highways and Infrastructure, said the government is listening. Marit told reporters at the event that an emergency exit will be placed on the east side of the town. Emergency responders will also have access to a gate and controls for lights at the former intersection.
“I think we addressed their concerns,” said Marit.
He touted the milestone’s arrival on time and on budget as proof of the effectiveness of Public-Private Partnerships (P3s), where private companies work in conjunction with the government to complete a project.
“We proved it in the school side, and it’s something we really have to look at going forward also,” said Marit.
Dickinson said the project’s designers did listen to concerns from stakeholders, but at the same time had to carry out the project in line with their contract, which he described as “fairly prescriptive.”
However, given the Regina Bypass Partners’ 35-year involvement with the community, Dickinson said the future could see changes and improvements to the bypass.
The first phase also includes east service roads from Highway 33 to Pilot Butte, north service roads from Pilot Butte to Balgonie, and south service roads from Pilot Butte to Balgonie.
The next portions of the bypass will run from Highway 33 to the Trans-Canada Highway west, and from there to Highway 11 north. The bypass is scheduled to be completed by Oct. 31, 2019.