Language

Google Translate Disclaimer

A number of pages on the Government of Saskatchewan's website have been professionally translated in French. These translations are identified by a yellow box in the right or left rail that resembles the link below. The home page for French-language content on this site can be found at:

Renseignements en Français

Where an official translation is not available, Google™ Translate can be used. Google™ Translate is a free online language translation service that can translate text and web pages into different languages. Translations are made available to increase access to Government of Saskatchewan content for populations whose first language is not English.

Software-based translations do not approach the fluency of a native speaker or possess the skill of a professional translator. The translation should not be considered exact, and may include incorrect or offensive language. The Government of Saskatchewan does not warrant the accuracy, reliability or timeliness of any information translated by this system. Some files or items cannot be translated, including graphs, photos and other file formats such as portable document formats (PDFs).

Any person or entities that rely on information obtained from the system does so at his or her own risk. Government of Saskatchewan is not responsible for any damage or issues that may possibly result from using translated website content. If you have any questions about Google™ Translate, please visit: Google™ Translate FAQs.

MINISTER OF HIGHWAYS AND INFRASTRUCTURE ADVISES CAUTION ON ROADS DURING HOLIDAYS

Released on December 18, 2007

Highways and Infrastructure Minister Wayne Elhard is urging Saskatchewan drivers take care and be aware of road conditions this holiday season especially around snowplows.

"Give this equipment the space needed to complete the job and maintain the roads," Elhard said. "Remember that the operators of the snowplows will pull over every 10 km or so to allow vehicles to pass."

Motorists are asked to have patience when approaching a snowplow. Snowplows operate at significantly lower speeds, sometimes as slow as 30-40 km/h.

In 2006 there was a record high - 11 reported collisions involving snowplows. There have been 42 collisions since 1998.

Snowplows are on the road before, during and after storms. Operators are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

The two major factors in accidents involving snowplows are motorists driving too fast for road conditions and impatience when following the plow.

There are three levels to the process of snow and ice removal on Saskatchewan Highways:

Level 1 - Occurs within six hours of the end of the storm on highways that serve as commuter routes, major inter-provincial and international travel routes, connect communities with a population of 3,000 or more and have an average annual daily traffic (AADT) count of 1,500 or more vehicles.

Level 2 - Occurs within 12 hours on highways with an AADT between 300 and 1,500 vehicles. Additional time may be required in extreme circumstances.

Level 3 - Occurs on all other highways with an AADT less than 300 as soon as possible or within 24 hours, without jeopardizing service on Level 1 or 2 highways.

The department of highways is committed to providing frequent snow removal service (please see attached map and fact sheets).

Drivers are encouraged to make use of the Highway Hotline before they head out. Winter driving conditions can also be accessed online at www.highways.gov.sk.ca.

The numbers for the hotline across the province are the following:
• Toll-free throughout Saskatchewan: 1-888-335-7623
• SaskTel cellular network: *ROAD
• Regina and area: 306-787-7623
• Saskatoon and area: 306-933-8333

-30-

For more information, contact:

Kirsten Leatherdale
Highways and Infrastructure
Regina
Phone: 306-787-8484
Email: kleatherdale@highways.gov.sk.ca

We need your feedback to improve saskatchewan.ca. Help us improve