There are two seasons in Saskatchewan: winter, and construction season. While it's a great time of year to hit the highway for an adventure in our beautiful province, it's also a great time of year to repair our highways.
This is why the province of Saskatchewan is reminding drivers heed the signage in work zones also known as orange zones, as they are there for a reason.
These signs must be obeyed whenever posted, even if the driver does not see anyone working at the time.
Even when no workers are present, other safety hazards can present safety risks for drivers, such as lane reductions or sharp pavement drops, loose stones, and even fresh oil that could be slippery at high speeds.
Drivers are also reminded to be respectful of the workers, including flag persons and equipment operators, who help make our roads safe to travel, as they all have families who need them to return home at the end of the day.
The Slow to 60 rule also applies to emergency and service vehicles, like tow trucks, police, fire, and ambulance. If it has flashing lights, someone is working at the roadside, which means safety is the priority.
Not only that, drivers caught not slowing to 60 km/h also face hefty tickets. For example, going 100 km/h in an orange zone can cost the driver a $580 ticket, plus demerits from SGI. The demerit points will affect your position on the Safe Driver Recognition program’s Safety Rating Scale.
The closest orange zone to Weyburn is currently the roundabout construction at the intersection of Highways 13 and Highway 39, where drivers must slow to 30 km/h.
Read more: Roundabout construction well underway, slated for on-time completion
Find updates on the latest Orange Zone Construction projects HERE.
You can plan your trip with construction in mind by checking the Highway Hotline before disembarking on your journey.