Released on September 5, 2019
With harvest underway, more farm machinery and heavy trucks are moving around on Saskatchewan roads. Drivers and farmers are reminded to keep safety a top priority during harvest.
“Harvest is a busy time for the agriculture community and often leads to many large vehicles on the roads,” Highways and Infrastructure Minister Greg Ottenbreit said. “We stay safe by planning ahead and allowing additional time for travel.”
Drivers are being asked to take extra precautions when passing slow-moving farm equipment and to be respectful of other drivers. Producers need to ensure lights are working and adjusted before moving equipment on highways and to regularly inspect and maintain their equipment. They should also know all height, length and weight restrictions on their farm vehicles and when permits may be required.
Travellers are reminded to slow to 60 km/hr when passing emergency and service vehicles parked at the side of the road with their lights flashing, including:
- tow trucks;
- tire service vehicles;
- highway equipment; and
- emergency vehicles (police, ambulance and fire).
This will ensure drivers, passengers and crew members can do their jobs safely.
If you’re planning to travel, check the Highway Hotline at www.saskatchewan.ca/highwayhotline, which 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 511. A weekly highway construction update is also published on www.saskatchewan.ca/residents/transportation/highway-construction-projects/weekly-highway-construction-update to provide the travelling public with the latest details on projects underway to help plan safe and efficient travel. You can also report a highway work zone signing problem by calling 306-244-5535.
The Government of Saskatchewan has invested $9 billion in highways infrastructure since 2008, improving more than 14,000 kilometres of Saskatchewan highways.
-30-
For more information, contact:
Steve Shaheen
Highways and Infrastructure
Regina
Phone: 306-931-5641
Email: steve.shaheen@gov.sk.ca