Released on May 19, 2016
With almost 270 kilometres of highway projects underway, the Government of Saskatchewan reminds motorists not to take a holiday from following the signs in work zones this Victoria Day long weekend.
“Our government has committed to a $70 million surge in highway repair and maintenance over the next three years so motorists can expect another busy construction season,” Highways and Infrastructure Minister Nancy Heppner said. “While we appreciate that people want to get to their destinations, planning ahead and remaining patient allows construction crews to safely work to improve our highways across the province.”
Slowing to 60 km/hr is most commonly associated with active work zones that have workers present. But at times, it is necessary to reduce speeds because of hazards such as loose stones and sharp drop-offs – even with no workers present.
An example of a work zone that will be idle over the long weekend but will require reduced speeds is a 5 km-long project on Highway 55 east of its junction with Highway 155. This is due to a narrow road with soft shoulders.
This week, two bridges are being replaced on Highways 56 and 18 and next week 24.5 km of paving work is getting underway in the south on Highway 6 near Ceylon. Grading on Highway 42 from Keeler to Eyebrow will also be ongoing 24 hours a day.
Many motorists know how important it is to check the Highway Hotline in the winter, but it is also a great resource in the summer. You can plan ahead by checking http://hotline.gov.sk.ca/map/ for 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.
Since 2008, the Government of Saskatchewan has invested a record $5.2 billion in transportation infrastructure. During this time, nearly 10,000 km of highways and roads have been repaired or rebuilt, which is nearly 700 km longer than the width of Canada from the east to west coasts.
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For more information, contact:
Sonja Orban
Highways and Infrastructure
Regina
Phone: 306-787-8484
Email: sonja.orban@gov.sk.ca