Slow Down and Make the July Long Weekend a Safe One

Released on June 29, 2021

With the July long weekend approaching and many people exploring the province, the Government of Saskatchewan is asking motorists to drive safely and take it slow in work zones.  

"After the events of the last year we are all excited to get the most out of our Saskatchewan summer," Highways Minister Fred Bradshaw said.  "Just as people continue to exercise COVID safety, we also ask everyone to be careful when traveling our highways as well.  By slowing down and obeying signage in work zones, we can ensure that drivers and workers all get home safely at the end of each day."

Drivers must obey all signs and flag persons in work zones and slow to 60 km/hr.  Even if workers aren't present, drivers need to obey signs, stay alert and slow to 60 km/hr through work zones.  Work zones can contain hazards that may not be easy to see, like sharp pavement drops or loose stones, which require you to slow down.  

Speed fines are tripled in Saskatchewan when workers are present.  Fines start at $210 and increase by $3 for every km/hr over the speed limit, up to a speed of 90 km/hr, and $6 for every km/hr over 90.  A driver who speeds through a work zone at 100 km/hr will be issued a fine of $450, plus a victim surcharge of $80, for a total of $530.

The Ministry of Highways has several tools to help motorists plan their travel route ahead of time and be aware of active work zones and construction projects that lie be in their path.  These include:

• The Highway Hotline at www.saskatchewan.ca/highwayhotline for up-to-date information on construction, emergency road closures, the status of ferries, barges and other road activities.  
• A weekly highway construction update 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.
• Highway information is also available by phone by dialing 511.  

The Government of Saskatchewan has invested more than $10.6 billion in highways infrastructure since 2008, improving more than 17,100 km of Saskatchewan highways.

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