Speed Reductions Set for Two High Collision Highways

Released on June 3, 2014

The provincial government is taking steps to improve safety along Highway 1 East of Regina and Highway 12 at Martensville.  

Effective today, the speed limit at these two locations will be reduced to 90 km/hr as a pilot project.  The new speed limit is in effect on Highway 1 from the Pilot Butte Access to just east of the Highway 48 junction and from about two kilometres south to one kilometre north of Main Street on Highway 12.

“There are three components to traffic safety: engineering, enforcement and education,” Highways and Infrastructure Minister Don McMorris said.  “Our government continues to assess what steps we can take in terms of infrastructure and traffic operation improvements, increased police presence and public education.

“It’s also important to recognize these are very busy highways and we all need to drive in a responsible manner.”

The reduced speed limit is being introduced as a pilot.  The Ministry of Highways and Infrastructure will closely monitor the impact on traffic safety.  If the results of the pilot are positive, other locations on the provincial highway system may be considered for a reduced speed limit.

The speed limit reductions are the most recent measures among a number of improvements the province has made on these roads to enhance safety.  Recently, the Ministry of Highways and Infrastructure installed “High Collision Location” signs to encourage drivers to exercise caution.  Additional safety features added in recent years include acceleration and turning lanes, ramps and enhanced signing.

Three overpasses will also be built along Highway 1 East as part of the Regina Bypass Project.  The Ministry of Highways and Infrastructure has also identified the location for a future overpass at Martensville.

In addition, new amendments to The Traffic Safety Act come into effect on June 27 and provide new tools to improve safety on Saskatchewan’s roads.  The new legislation aims to reduce traffic fatalities and injuries in the province with harsher penalties for impaired driving, distracted driving and excessive speed.  More information about these changes is available on SGI’s website at www.sgi.sk.ca.

“Over the long term, overpasses will greatly improve safety at these locations and we have already started the planning work,” McMorris said.  “We all need to remember, however, that these highways are getting busier and the communities they serve continue to grow.”

-30-

For more information, contact:

Doug Wakabayashi
Highways and Infrastructure
Regina
Phone: 306-787-4804
Email: doug.wakabayashi@gov.sk.ca