Construction Season Includes 50,000 Kilometres of Line Painting

Released on June 12, 2014

Saskatchewan has Canada’s largest per capita highway system and each year, five paint trucks undertake the mammoth task of repainting nearly 50,000 kilometres (km) of white and yellow lines on paved roads – driving the equivalent of more than five round trips between Regina and Mexico City in the process.

“Lines provide drivers with critical information about where their wheels should be and where they can safely pull over during an emergency situation,” Highways and Infrastructure Minister Nancy Heppner said.  “They also alert motorists to passing opportunities and intersection locations.  Wear and tear from traffic, snowplow blades and the elements mean these important safety tools need to be repainted each year.”

In total, 47,753 km of centre and shoulder lines are set to be painted on highways this season, as well as 29,065 pavement signs such as arrows and stop bars. 

About 1.2 million litres of paint is applied to the roads in an average year and roughly 660,000 kilograms of spherical beads made from recycled glass are added to the paint to add reflection for nighttime driving.

Pavement marking typically begins in late May or early June and continues into the winter.  Motorists are required to slow to 60 km/hr when passing line painting trucks with lights flashing.

“Our paint trucks travel further than the distance around the equator every year, so don’t be surprised if you encounter one on the highway,” Heppner said.  “If you pass a paint truck, remember to slow to 60 km/hr.” 

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