The first set of passing lanes between Estevan and Weyburn, on Highway 39, are opening. The passing lanes are part of a $100 million federal-provincial highway safety improvement to the busy trade corridor. 

Highways and Infrastructure Minister Greg Ottenbreit says the passing lanes will provide additional opportunities for drivers to pass safely, and reduce highway collisions at a fraction of the cost of twinning the highway. 

The federal government is investing $53.3 million towards the project under the National Trade Corridors Fund. The project consists of improvements on Highway 6, the resurfacing and addition of 10 passing lanes on Highway 39. The project will also see the widening of shoulders, installation of Intelligent Transportation Systems and variable message signs, as well as culvert replacements. 

Work is set to be completed in the summer of 2021. The first set of passing lanes will open as soon as line painting and sign installation is complete. Drivers are asked to obey all road signs and watch for changing traffic patterns as the infrastructure on Highway 39 opens. 

Construction is also continuing on a $31.2 million project which includes four sets of passing lanes on Highway 39 between McTaggart to Milestone and about 25 km of paving. This project is set to be complete later this fall.