Released on June 30, 2011
Motorists are advised to be aware of provincial highway work in various stages while travelling throughout Saskatchewan during the long weekend.
"Have a great Canada Day, but please drive to current road conditions," Highways and Infrastructure Minister Jim Reiter said. "Remember to obey all flag persons, electronic message boards relating to road work or potential detours and slow to 60 km/hr when passing highway workers and equipment in the Orange Zone, if you come upon any of these things during your holiday travel.
All motorists should be cautious and alert when approaching any road activity or a segment of highway at a various stage in construction or repair. Even if a project is shut down for a crew's day off, it can still potentially impact travel.
New expected road activity for the current week includes work on Highway 4 north and south of Kyle, Highway 5 east of Saskatoon, a connector road between Highways 16 and 316 east of Saskatoon, along with final paving of a bridge on Highway 49 at Preeceville. More details about this work, potential impacts to motorists and information about other projects underway can be found on the attached backgrounder.
Motorists are also reminded to check the status of all ferries and barges before heading out this Canada Day long weekend via the Highway Hotline, since fluctuating water levels can impact their openings or closings at any time of year. For the status of your nearest ferry, click on http://www.highways.gov.sk.ca/ferry-schedule/.
The Highway Hotline also provides information about emergency road closures due to such event as severe weather, flooding, forest fires or additional road activities.
The Highway Hotline is online at www.highways.gov.sk.ca/road-conditions/ and via telephone or wireless device is as follows: Regina and area at 306-787-7623; Saskatoon and area at 306-933-8333; on the SaskTel cellular network at *ROAD; toll-free across Canada at 1-888-335-7623; and at http://roadinfo.telenium.ca/mobile.html. This update is also posted to Facebook on the Saskatchewan Highway Hotline page.
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For more information, contact:
Dan Palmer
Highways and Infrastructure
Regina
Phone: 306-787-4805
Email: dan.palmer@gov.sk.ca