Regina Bypass

construction complete

Opportunity Saskatchewan has experienced unprecedented economic and population growth, putting increasing pressure on its transportation infrastructure, causing safety and environmental concerns. The Regina Bypass project, which will create a bypass road around the city, is a priority for the government of Saskatchewan in order to address its growth and the associated concerns. On May 5, 2014 the government announced its decision to move forward with this project, the largest transportation infrastructure project in the province’s history, as a P3. That same month the Government of Canada announced its plan to invest up to $200 million in the project through the P3 Canada Fund. Challenges The project required more than a decade of detailed planning by government and external experts. Innovations The project involved innovative design features including a roundabout for the Highway 1 and Highway 46 interchange, increasing intersection capacity and safety, and an alternative approach to pavement design, requiring less resurfacing over the life of the Project Agreement while still meeting performance requirements. Payments to the private sector are performance-based, which means they may be reduced if the private sector partner does not meet the performance standards of the Project Agreement. This provides a level of protection for taxpayers in that payments are conditional upon the availability and performance of the highway. Results The project encompasses 60-kilometres of roads, service roads, 12 overpasses and 32 bridges, facilitating economic growth in Saskatchewan by eliminating a key transportation bottleneck, creating efficient passenger and goods movement, and reducing commuter traffic and congestion. The project provides better access to the Global Transportation Hub and other key logistics and employment centres, where free-flow truck access is essential for continued growth. The project created 8,200 construction-related jobs in Saskatchewan. By diverting trucks around the city the bypass reduces congestion on Regina’s main arteries and contribute to the growth of the Global Transportation Hub. This P3 project was completed on-time and on-budget, approximately six years sooner than could have been achieved through traditional procurement. “This project is another excellent example of how the private sector can leverage greater value or public dollars and deliver infrastructure that will benefit Saskatchewan and create jobs and growth for Canadians. I am proud of our Government’s ongoing commitment to developing new infrastructure, and I’m very pleased to support Saskatchewan’s choice to pursue a P3 as a better infrastructure solution.” - Gerry Ritz, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food

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