It still isn’t clear how deep the province will have to dig into its pockets to pay for the new Regina bypass.
Saskatchewan’s NDP opposition is concerned about how much the project will cost. The last estimate was $1.2 billion, but nothing has been said since a contractor was selected at the end of May.
“It was just a year ago that this government was suggesting that this project might be $700 or $800 million,” said New Democrat MLA Trent Wotherspoon.
“Now it's inflated to well over a billion dollars; $1.2 billion gets tossed around. We're hearing and we’re very concerned that that cost may be growing significantly higher, as well."
The bypass will divert heavy truck traffic away from most of the city. It will involve the construction of 12 overpasses and nearly 60 kilometres of highway.
The group that lobbied for a different route says industry insiders estimate the cost of the contract will far exceed the initial price tag.
"The costs are significantly higher, as much as double the original $800 million," said Allen Mryglod with the Regina Committee for an Alternative Bypass Solution.
Survey crews have already started work at overpass locations, even though final financial details are still being worked out. The Ministry of Highways and Infrastructure isn't ready to reveal the price yet, but says it has chosen the cheapest route.
"At the end of the day, the most appropriate location is the location that has been selected," said the ministry’s Ron Gerbrandt.
The government is promising full disclosure by the end of summer, including the contract price.
Based on a report by CTV Regina’s Wayne Mantyka
