The Province of Saskatchewan announced that the finishing touches have been put on the Highway 16 improvement project. The final set of passing lanes are now open near the eastern Saskatchewan community of Saltcoats, marking the wrap up of the multi-year project.
"The Yellowhead highway is a major transportation corridor that is used to move people and goods across the province," Highway's Minister Jeremy Cockrill said. “With the expanding canola crushing facilities in the area, there are a lot of large trucks traveling through the area and we’re taking steps to move that traffic safely and efficiently. These passing lanes allow drivers to pass slower moving vehicles safely.”
The passing lanes project extended from the twinned Highway 16 stretch near Clavet eastward to the Manitoba border. Motorists on the busy highway now have stretches, typically a minimum of two kilometres in length, that allow drivers to pass slower moving vehicles safely. The highway safety project was a key investment in Saskatchewan's $2 billion stimulus program during the global pandemic to help drive economic recovery. In all, 26 passing lanes and multiple intersection upgrades were constructed, states a provincial government release.
"As representatives of Saskatchewan truck transport, we are pleased to see investments in the highway network that assist the movement of trucks and most importantly ones designed to improve the safety for our professional drivers," Saskatchewan Trucking Association President Susan Ewart said. "The passing lanes and intersection enhancements will be welcome by our members."
Up to date highway travel information is available through the provincial Highway Hotline or by calling 511.