With a turn of a golden shovel, a much-anticipated construction project got underway.

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   Premier Brad Wall, Highways Minister Jim Reiter and Mayor Sandy Larson all took part in a sod turning ceremony at the highway 1 and 4 interchange, to officially kick-off construction.

   The Province is pitching in $6.4 million for the project, which will see upgrades to the busy intersection, made even busier with recent growth in that part of the city. Crews will move the service roads and off-ramps, widen Highway 4 around the overpass, and install traffic signals on four intersections.

   Premier Wall says as a long-time resident of Swift Current, he's happy the project is finally going ahead, saying that he himself has waited a very long time in his car at the intersection for his turn to go through. He says this is a project that has waited long enough and is glad to see it move forward.

   Reiter says this is a very important project for the province, but just one of many other highways projects, as Saskatchewan experiences an economic boom, he says they need the infrastructure to support it.

   Mayor Larson was undoubtedly pleased that construction will begin, saying that intersection has been a huge safety concern for years not just for travellers but for the citizens of Swift Current and its businesses. She couldn't thank the province enough for their support.

   Construction is expected to begin as soon as Sunday, and will continue until September of next year.