MINOT (AP) - A group in southeastern Saskatchewan is proposing a divided four-lane highway between Regina and Minot.

The Soo Line Highway Corridor Association says support for the 250-mile project has been overwhelming north of the border, but lukewarm to the south.

The project would four-lane Saskatchewan Provincial Highways 6 and 39 from Regina to North Portal, and U.S. Highway 52 from Portal to the point northwest of Minot where it meets U.S. Highway 2, which already is four-lane. Completed construction would provide a 727-mile, four-lane route from Edmonton, Alberta, to Bismarck.

"This has huge benefits for Saskatchewan, and North Dakota as well," said association chairman Dylan Clarke, of Weyburn, Sask. "Regarding tourism and safety, there's great benefit to North Dakota.

"We're the only province in Canada that doesn't have a twin link, yet the U.S. is our biggest trading partner," he said. "In our province, this is the main route (to the U.S.), so it makes sense."

Minot Mayor Curt Zimbelman said he would like to see a four-lane highway but that other road projects, such as making U.S. 52 four-lane from Minot to Velva, might be of higher priority.

The Regina-to-Minot project would cost an estimated $354 million, Clarke said.

Billie Jo Lorius, spokeswoman for the North Dakota Department of Transportation, said the agency is not aware of any plans to four-lane U.S. 52 to the border.

"I'm sure it would be great for commerce and there are great reasons for doing it," she said. "But budgets are pretty tight right now."