Released on September 22, 2016
Weekly Provincial Highway Construction Update
People driving through construction zones in Humboldt and Maidstone will be guided by an automated device rather than a typical flagger. The Ministry of Highways and Infrastructure is expanding the use of Automated Flagger Assistance Devices (AFADs) following their successful introduction to Saskatchewan work zones last construction season.
“We are happy to expand the use of AFADs in Saskatchewan construction zones, as they improve safety and may reduce costs,” Highways and Infrastructure Minister David Marit said. “While new technology helps, people need to remember the basics of slowing down, putting their cell phones away and paying attention when driving through work zones.”
An AFAD slows or stops traffic approaching a work zone, while being operated remotely by a flagger outside of the travel lane. The ministry decided to expand AFAD technology this construction season after collaborating with Potzus Construction Ltd., which piloted an AFAD last year.
Highway crews used AFADs during the week of September 12 on Highway 20 near Humboldt for patching and Highway 2 near Liberty and Highway 21 north of Maidstone for spot sealing maintenance. The devices are expected to be used again the week of September 19 on Highway 2 near Liberty and Highway 9 near Langbank.
New highway construction scheduled to begin this week includes work on Highway 3 near Carrot River, Highway 6 near Southey, Highway 20 near Middle Lake, Highway 44 near Macrorie and Highway 51 near Kelfield.
Construction season photos are available at www.highways.gov.sk.ca/2016construction.
The Highway Hotline at www.saskatchewan.ca/highwayhotline provides details about construction, closures, the status of ferries and barges, along with other activities. The provincial road information service 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.
Follow the Hotline on Twitter @SKGovHwyHotline for information about closures, travel not recommended alerts, and the opening and closing of ferries. Additional highway information can be found on Facebook at www.facebook.com/SaskatchewanHighwayHotline.
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:
Steve Shaheen
Highways and Infrastructure
Saskatoon
Phone: 306-933-5641
Email: steve.shaheen@gov.sk.ca