Released on August 18, 2016
It Can Save a Windshield or it Can Save a Life
With more than 40 projects currently underway across the province, the Ministry of Highways and Infrastructure asks drivers to remain patient and obey the black and white posted speed limit in work zones – even when workers are not present.
“This year’s record Highways and Infrastructure budget of $1.15 billion includes almost 800 kilometres of new seal coating,” Highways and Infrastructure Minister Nancy Heppner said. “Seal coat work zones require reduced speeds without workers present to allow the new surface to dry and seal.”
Seal coating projects are the most common type of work where 60 km/hr signs remain in place without workers present. Seal coating requires up to 24 hours without traffic to set properly. In many cases, the seal coat work zones are long because crews are able to complete the work quickly.
Vehicles travelling at high speeds through a seal coat work zone can ruin the seal. The slower speed also protects vehicles from unnecessary damage caused by loose stones on the road. After the road has cured, crews return to sweep the excess gravel off the road and the speed limit is returned to normal.
Seal coating projects currently underway include:
- Highway 2 near Christopher Lake; and
- Highway 7 at Zealandia.
Seal coating projects completed this season include:
- Highway 1 at Swift Current;
- Highway 1 at Piapot;
- Highway 1 near Maple Creek;
- Highway 2 south of the Highway 916 junction;
- Highway 3 near Prairie River;
- Highway 3 near Frenchman Butte;
- Highway 6 near Southey; and
- Highway 55 at Love.
Situations where speeds are reduced for safety reasons without workers present include:
- narrow roads;
- roads that have been reduced to one lane; or
- potential road hazards like loose stones, a sharp drop off the pavement, or barriers.
A photo gallery featuring current work can be found at www.highways.gov.sk.ca/2016construction.
If you’re planning a trip this summer, check the Highway Hotline at http://hotline.gov.sk.ca/map/. The Highway Hotline provides up-to-date information on construction, emergency road closures, the status of ferries, barges and other road activities.
Information is also available by calling 306-787-7623 in Regina, 306-933-8333 in Saskatoon and toll-free across Canada at 1-888-335-7623.
The Government of Saskatchewan has invested $6.3 billion in transportation infrastructure since 2008, improving more than 11,000 kilometres of provincial roads.
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For more information, contact:
Sonja Orban
Highways and Infrastructure
Regina
Phone: 306-787-8484
Email: sonja.orban@gov.sk.ca