The debate surrounding the location of the bypass revolves around the chosen south route and a suggested north route. Building a south bypass around Regina has been discussed since the early 1990s but was only announced in 2014, while the north route was proposed by activist organization Why Tower Road. A north alternative, like they suggest, was never studied by the provincial government.
KEY POINTS
South
Pros
- Decided by the government
- Based on studies that began in the late 1980s and early 1990s
- Leads to Global Transportation Hub
- Provide sufficient space for overpasses east of Regina on Highway 1
Cons
- Is located close to the city limit. Some argue that it could simply make the bypass a new Ring Road, rather than truly diverting traffic around the city
- Only some of the information regarding how the government chose the route is available
- The estimated price has risen over the last several years to $1.88 billion, excluding the final stages and associated costs of land acquisition
- Will have huge impact to landowners by expropriating their lands and deconstructing houses
- Will receive more use by city traffic than the proposed north route
North
Pros
- Could offer better opportunity for commercial traffic to exit into the industrial part of Regina.
- Less potential to interfere with city and municipality development and expansion.
- Leads to Global Transportation Hub.
Cons
- Was never studied by the government
- Cannot confirm cost or engineering details
The south route will travel along the Highway No. 1 East corridor, through communities of Balgonie, White City, and Emerald Park, as well as the Pilot Butte access, before turning south 400 meters east of Tower Road. The bypass would then turn north, provide access to the Global Transportation Hub on the west side of Regina, before connecting with No. 11.
Competing visions
Government of Saskatchewan:
Why Tower Road Group:
