The route for the Regina bypass has been finalized and land acquisition has begun, the Saskatchewan government said Monday.

“When the bypass proceeds to construction, it will be the single largest transportation infrastructure project in Saskatchewan’s history,” Highways and Infrastructure Minister Don McMorris said in a news release.

“The Regina bypass will create jobs, reduce traffic congestion and significantly improve safety.”

The bypass plan includes the location of the new roads, as well as service roads and the locations of intersections and overpasses.

The proposed twinned highway begins on Highway 11 northwest of Regina and runs south to the Trans-Canada Highway.

The bypass will then wrap around the city about five kilometres south of Highway 1, and will be routed 400 metres east of Tower Road to connect back with Highway 1 on the east side of Regina.

The project will also include three overpasses at the Pilot Butte Access Road, Highway 48 at White City and Highway 46 at Balgonie.

The Ministry of Highways and Infrastructure has begun the process of purchasing land for the project, and it has contacted most landowners along the route.

“The ministry will need to acquire a considerable amount of land in order to make this project a reality,” McMorris said. “Throughout the process, landowners can be expected to be treated with the utmost respect.”

Planning work is currently underway and it’s anticipated that the project, which will be funded through a public-private partnership, could be completed within four year.

PPP Canada is currently considering the province’s funding application for the project.