This summer has been a busy construction season in southeast Saskatchewan. In addition to the work on Highway 39 for the construction of the roundabout on the western outskirts of Weyburn, there is work happening on Highway 35 on the north edge of the city, culvert replacements in a number of locations, and ongoing work on Highway 18. With all of the construction that is happening, the province’s Minister of Highways, David Marit, is reminding drivers to slow down, exercise caution, and obey all the signage in work zones.
“I've been in the orange zone, and I've seen somebody drive by not respecting it, and I just shudder that I hope and pray to God that nobody gets hit on any of these construction sites,” shared Marit. “So, I can't say it enough to the public to please respect the zone and slow down.”
Throughout Saskatchewan, the speed limit in highway construction zones is 60 kilometres an hour, and it can be lower in some areas. The fines for speeding in a work zone can triple. In some cases, those work zones also have photo radar speed enforcement. In addition to the speed limit reductions for work zones, there are often signs that direct traffic, or a flag person who is responsible for stopping traffic in some areas.
With all of these moving parts, Marit noted that at the end of the day, drivers need to be paying attention so everyone can go home.
“I just ask the public to really respect the speed limits and the zone and the workers,” he said. “There isn't anybody out here on those roads working that doesn't have family. And they're all expected to be home, and we all want to get home safely.”
Marit explained that the rules for the motorists are strict for a reason. Those who are working in the construction zone have a lot happening around them. They may also be taking part in tasks that require their undivided attention.
“It's really important, just because the people that are doing the work on the road are really concentrating on the job they're doing,” the Highways Minister shared. “There's a lot of trucks moving. There's a lot of equipment moving. These folks are concentrating on their job, and they're just very, very hopeful that the driving public is respecting that speed zone.”
Marit recommended that those who are going to be travelling take the time to stay up to date with the latest traffic conditions and find out where there are work zones that are in effect when planning a trip.
“If you're going to run into a construction zone, then you can at least allow yourself that time for it.”
You can stay up to date with the latest highway conditions, including where any construction projects are happening, on the Discover Moose Jaw Road Report page.