The new White City overpass is set to open to traffic within the next day.
The overpass features a pedestrian walkway that will connect the Trans Canada Trail on both sides of Highway 1.
“The White City overpass, a vital link in the Regina Bypass project, puts us one step closer to completion of the project,” Amarjeet Sohi, federal Minister of Infrastructure and Communities, said in a news release Thursday.
“Our government’s infrastructure investments are achieving real and tangible results for all Canadians and this essential link will enhance safety for everyone travelling this busy stretch of road. I am proud to be delivering on our government’s commitment to make historic investments in infrastructure, building strong, inclusive and sustainable communities across the country.”
The White City overpass is a diamond interchange, with Highway 48 crossing overtop of Highway 1. With the construction of the overpass and the service road network well underway, people will be able to drive from Balgonie to Highway 33 without travelling on Highway 1.
“For residents of White City and surrounding area, this overpass means safer access to and from their communities,” said Highways and Infrastructure Minister David Marit.
”The opening of the White City overpass is a sign that we’re another step closer to completing this phase of the Regina Bypass.”
By opening the White City overpass to traffic, the Regina Bypass Design Builders will be able to complete the remaining construction around the overpass. Once the overpass opens, the current intersection at Highway 1 and Highway 48 will close.
Work is also underway to establish the Trans Canada Trail system from Gregory Avenue, across the overpass and along the North Service Road. The walkways leading to the overpass are currently being designed.
“The new overpass, and the White Butte Trans Canada Trail crossing, will enhance the quality of life for residents in the region by making travel to and from the city safer, while providing a unique crossing of the Trans-Canada Highway by the Trans Canada Trail to be enjoyed for generations to come,” said White City Mayor Bruce Evans.
The first phase of the Regina Bypass construction between Balgonie and Highway 33 is expected to be completed this fall, including overpasses at Balgonie, White City and Tower Road. The Pilot Butte overpass is slated to partially open to traffic in 2017 and be fully operational in 2018. The remainder of the Regina bypass is to be completed in 2019.
“We hope the safety and traffic flow improvements this project will bring to our municipality, and the White Butte Region, will allow our communities to continue to grow and leave a legacy of connectivity and safety for generations to come,” said Rural Municipality of Edenwold Reeve Mitchell Huber.
The Regina bypass is the largest transportation infrastructure project in the province’s history.
