The Ministry of Highways will do a field survey next month of environmental and heritage areas along the route for the future freeway around Saskatoon. The Ministry’s Geoff Meinart told a North Saskatoon Business Association audience mitigation plans relating to sensitive plant and wildlife in areas like the northeast swale and Saskatchewan River valley will be based on the survey. He explained that could include selecting the type of construction most suited to environmental factors and slight route alterations within the chosen 500 metre corridors. Meinart also says consultations will take place over the summer with land owners and stakeholders with options and analysis for them expected to be presented in the fall. He expects final configurations to be in place by this winter. According to Meinart it will take another three years to complete the study and another 10 to 15 years before construction begins. He points out there is no specific timeline to start the project