Highway 16 Reduced Collision U-Turn Near Dalmeny
Intersection upgrades are planned at the intersection of Highway 16 and the Dalmeny Access Road/Grid 684.
The intersection improvements are intended to address concerns about collisions resulting from right angle (T-bone) collisions. The upgrades will convert the intersection from a two-way stop-controlled intersection to a Reduced Collision U-turn (RCUT) intersection. A public information session was held in late November in Dalmeny to explain the intersection changes.
1. Study Background
Highway 16 is part of the national highway system and is a key connection between Dalmeny and the City of Saskatoon. The Dalmeny Access Road is a commuter route as well as an over-dimensional truck bypass route.
Intersection upgrades are planned at the intersection of Highway 16 and the Dalmeny Access Road/Grid 684 in 2023. The intersection improvements are intended to address concerns about severe collisions resulting from right angle (T-bone) collisions. The upgrades will convert the intersection from a two-way stop-controlled intersection to a Reduced Collision U-turn (RCUT) intersection.
Project Timeline

2013 - Intersection Improvements
- Dalmeny Access Road realigned to 90°
- Right turn lanes
- Median acceleration lanes
- Area lighting
2018 - Intersection Safety Review
- Identified possible solutions to address safety concerns.
2019 - Preliminary Design
- Initial work to consider solutions.
2021 - Micro-simulation
- Detailed analysis of proposed solutions.
2022 - Community Engagement
Existing Conditions
Travel Time
According to recent data, it took an estimated 20 and 30 seconds to cross Highway 16 during peak hours. If development proceeds as planned, that time may increase up to 12 minutes by 2035.
Risk-taking behaviour is expected to increase with longer delays at this intersection.
Traffic Volumes
- Westbound - 1,600 vehicles daily
- Eastbound - 1,600 vehicles daily
- Crossing Highway 16 - 1,000 vehicles daily
2. Options Reviewed
Interim options considered prior to the construction of an interchange (20+ years).
Options Considered | Benefits | Drawbacks |
Signage and pavement markings | Minor safety improvements | No reduction in conflict points |
Convert to two 'T' intersections | Reduces conflict/collision points | Does not address risk of right-angle collision |
Eliminate through and left turns on Dalmeny Access | Reduces conflict points | Significant additional travel time |
Traffic signals | Public familiarity | Increased risk of collisions and delays on Highway 16 |
Reduced Collision U-Turn (RCUT) | Significant reduction in conflict/collision points Fewer severe collisions and delays |
Requires driver education |
Preferred Option
The Reduced Collision U-Turn (RCUT) is the preferred interim solution.
3. Reduced Collision U-Turn (RCUT)
In-person event
There was an opportunity to discuss the project November 24. In addition, a virtual information session was also held.
Key Benefits
A Reduced Collision U-Turn (RCUT) will reduce conflict points by more than half (from 42 conflict points to 20) and eliminate almost all “crossing” conflict points that results in severe collisions.
Overall travel time is expected to decrease in peak periods, making it easier for drivers to quickly and safely merge onto and across Highway 16 instead of waiting in a long queue.
By 2035, it will take 12 minutes to cross Highway 16 on Dalmeny Access Road during peak hours without intersection improvements. A RCUT is expected to reduce that time to under two minutes. Travel time during off-peak periods is expected to increase slightly.
Navigating through a reduced collision U-turn
Driving through the intersection is straight forward.

- Drivers focus on one direction of traffic.
- Accelerate to highway speeds in a dedicated lane.
- Merge to a dedicated deceleration lane.
- Free-flow U-turn.
- Accelerate to highway speeds in a dedicated lane.
- Merge and continue safely!
5. Contact
For more information, please contact:
Geoff Meinert
Senior Project Manager, Ministry of Highways
geoffrey.meinert@gov.sk.ca
306-933-5966