The initial plans for Highways 39 and 6 from the U.S. border to Regina were for the entire length of the highway to be twinned. This plan would change over the years, with the decision ultimately made for passing lanes to be installed along some stretches of the highway, and other parts being twinned. The first passing lanes were put in between Milestone and Regina in 2018, with further passing lanes built in 2020 and 2021. Now, the final phase of the project, twinning near Corinne and Rowatt, is about to wrap up.
“It’s on target right now to be completed by the end of October; of course that’s pending weather,” said Dan Palmer. He is a spokesperson with the provincial Ministry of Highways.
The work to twin segments of Highways 6 and 39 from just south of Regina to near Milestone started in 2023 and came with a price tag of $57 million. The federal government’s National Trade Corridors Fund contributed $27.35 million towards the project, and the province chipped in the remaining $30 million.
The highway, which is one of the busiest in the province with more than 3500 vehicles travelling it daily, has seen delays due to the construction, and the work zones set up along the stretch where the construction is taking place.
“That inconvenience, that’s only for a short time because in the long run, that highway, that work, will be there for quite a long time to benefit our transportation system and motorists,” Palmer added. “I know the export trade is huge along that road.”
The work that started last year saw grading for a 7.8-kilometre portion of Highway 6 south of Regina to be twinned started, with the grading for the section of Highways 39 and 6 near Corinne – the infamous Corinne corner - completed.
The work resumed this May with the completion of the grading needed for the twinning, as well as paving work. In addition to paving the twinned sections of the highway, paving is also planned for sections of Highways 39 and 6 between Milestone and Corinne.
The provincial Ministry of Highways is reminding motorists to slow down in all work zones, obey all flag persons, follow all signs, and remain alert to road conditions at all times.