REGINA, Sask. – The Saskatchewan Trucking Association (STA) touted the recently presented budget from the Saskatchewan Party’s Ministry of Highway and Infrastructure, saying it made good on election promises and exceeded $1 billion for the first time in history.

“Major investments aimed at promoting economic growth will aid the trucking industry in efficiently and safely moving goods throughout the province” said Susan Ewart, the STA’s recently appointed executive director. “Saskatchewan has a very vast highway and infrastructure network to maintain and build on. Continued investments not only drive the economy but increase safety and competitiveness for Saskatchewan’s commercial carriers.”

Some of the improvements being addressed in the budget include continued twinning of Highway 7 and 16, work on the Regina bypass and construction set to begin on a new overpass at Warman and Martensville.

The Saskatchewan Party offered its ‘Highways 2020’ plan during the provincial election, which will see $30 million put into the effort in the first year, with an additional $70 million to fix existing highways.

The STA said upgrades and repaving of Highway 11 north of Davidson, Highway 1 near Belle Plaine and Beverley and Highway 45 south of Outlook were of key importance to the trucking industry.

“Trucks are Northern Saskatchewan’s lifeline, so it is appropriate that the ministry has promised 100% increase over last year in northern highways and infrastructure capital,” Ewart said. “It is imperative to the safety of drivers travelling to the north that communities can be safely accessed, specifically in areas with little to no cellphone coverage. Overall, we are very pleased with the amount of work and location of projects the ministry has selected for this fiscal year. Trucking drives the economy and the provincial government is really coming through for us.”