Motorists Reminded to Slow to 60 Km/Hr in Work Zones

Released on July 31, 2014

Weekly Construction Update

With Saskatchewan’s short highway construction season passing the halfway point, the government reminds motorists to always slow to 60 km/hr when they encounter work zones.

“Remember to slow to 60 km/hr when you pass through any of Saskatchewan’s many construction zones this summer and fall – it’s the law, and it could save someone’s life,” Highways and Infrastructure Minister Nancy Heppner said.  “Nothing is more important than ensuring the people undertaking this important work get home safely to their loved ones at the end of the day.”

When a driver first approaches a highway work zone, they will see an orange sign with a black image of a worker on it and a tab marked “Workers Present,” followed by a black and white 60 km/hr speed sign.  This sign is a regulatory speed sign indicating the legal maximum speed, so the driver must slow down.

A driver will know they are at the end of a work area when they see an "end of work area" sign followed by a black-and-white regulatory sign indicating the driver can resume the normal speed.

There are circumstances where a 60 km/hr speed limit is warranted even if workers are not present, including hazards such as loose gravel or sharp drop-offs at the shoulder.

Drivers can report highway work zone signing problems by calling 1-306-244-5535 and leaving a message.  When providing information, provide the location, highway number as well as the time and day.

New or resuming projects underway in the province this week includes bridge work on Highway 14 over Notukeu Creek west of Cadillac and Highway 367 south of Maymont, as well as a culvert replacement on Highway 102 near its junction with Highway 905 near Southend.

The weekly construction update provides Saskatchewan residents with the latest details on current projects to help plan safe and efficient travel throughout the summer and fall.

To learn more about Saskatchewan work zones, head to www.highways.gov.sk.ca/workzone/.  Always slow to 60 km/hr when passing through a highway work zone.

Additional travel information about emergency road closures, the status of ferries and barges and other road activities can also be found on the Highway Hotline at www.saskatchewan.ca/live/transportation/highway-hotline.  It is also available by calling 306-787-7623 in Regina, 306-933-8333 in Saskatoon, the SaskTel cellular network at *ROAD, and toll-free across Canada at 1-888-335-7623.

The government has invested a record $4.3 billion in transportation infrastructure since 2008.

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For more information, contact:

Joel Cherry
Highways and Infrastructure
Regina
Phone: 306-787-4805