If you’re travelling on one of Saskatchewan’s highways this long weekend, chances are pretty good you’ll hit a construction zone.
The May long weekend signals the start of highway construction season
Steve Shaheen, senior communications consultant with the ministry of highways said construction projects are on the highway hotline where construction is shown on the map, or people can call 511 for information on highway projects.
“A weekly highway construction update is also published on the Government of Saskatchewan website and this provides travelers with the latest details on projects that are underway,” said Shaheen, referring to this site. “And this will help them plan a safe and efficient travel.”
Some of the work that’s being done on roads across the province are twinning and repair work. Road crews will be out on Saskatchewan’s busiest highways, including the Trans Canada east of Swift Current, and between Moose Jaw and Regina, as well as on Highway 11 between Regina and Saskatoon.
“First of all, be attentive, watch for signs and obey those signs, as well as watch for workers and equipment in the work zone,” said Shaheen. “This often requires slowing down to 60 kilometres an hour. We want to make sure everyone gets home safely at night.”
The government is aiming for 1,100 km of highway work this year, including more that $450 million of capital work.
“Really the highlighted work taking place this year is completion of 14 sets of passing lanes, and that includes on Highway 16, sort of the Yorkton area and northwest,” he said. “There’s also work taking place on Highway 5, 7 and 12, and there’s some twinning taking place by Prince Albert west of that city.”
While the projects can be inconvenient for those who are frequently driving the highways in Saskatchewan, construction season is not all summer.
“We really understand that… these slowdowns are only temporary and crews are working for better roads to travel when construction season is over,” Shaheen said. “So this is really a short term inconvenience so people can enjoy smoother travels in the future.”
