Now that the snow is gone and the earth dried, work has resumed on the Highway 39 twinning project south and east of Estevan.

"It's coming along pretty good. They've started surfacing work on the some of the sections, although no paving has been started as of yet. They've also started work on the realignment of the junction at Highways 39 and 18," shared David Merit, Saskatchewan's Minister of Highways and Infrastructure, noting that the bridge is also nearing completion, the girders having now been placed. According to him, the project is also on schedule and budget.

"They did have a couple of delays with some of the issues on the truck crossing for the mine, and they worked through some logistical issues. I think they've got that all looked after."

"The federal government is a partner in it to the tune of about $12.5 million of a $27 million dollar project, then the province is kicking in the other $14.5 million," Merit added.

He said that the next major step in the progression could be the laying of asphalt.

"Once they get their sub-base and their base down it will be going to a pavement structure, and it looks like they are preparing for that now. I'm hoping that, through the summer, we'll see some asphalt going down there."

Merit thanked the local commuters for their patience when driving in the vicinity of the construction.

"Once it gets opened up everybody will be very happy to have a divided highway going. I'd just caution everyone to really watch for the workers and flaggers, respect the orange zone and the 60 kilometer an hour speed limit."

"It does take a few minutes longer, however, let's be appreciative of the fact that the contractors are doing their job. With patience, we will have a new highway there very soon for traffic in the area of Estevan," he expressed.

Merit also made note of another project on Highway 18 West, laying asphalt for about 20 kilometers east of Outram, and asked people to respect the law there as well. It is expected to be finished by the end of July.