Saskatchewan highway construction projects set to get underway

It’s construction season on Saskatchewan highways, so drivers should expect delays.

The provincial government said Thursday that projects have started on highways 5 and 39.

In a release, the province said “major delays” should be expected on Highway 39 between North Portal and Rouleau as crews work on more than 200 kilometres of highway through the summer.

Drivers are urged to find alternate routes, such as Highway 33, Highway 35 or Highway 47.

The work between Hitchcock and Weyburn includes about 35 kilometres of paving, the addition of five sets of passing lanes, the replacements of culverts, the installation of a new Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) and safety improvements.

Between McTaggart and Milestone, the work is to comprise four sets of passing lanes and about 25 kilometres of paving. Crews also have started work on 32 kilometres from Corinne to Rouleau.

The project on Highway 5 is starting with 10 kilometres of widening and sight-line improvements on the stretch from old Highway 27 to Blucher Road.

According to the government, there aren’t any viable detour options for the Highway 5 project, so drivers can expect delays of up to 30 minutes. Alternate routes such as highways 41, 27, 16 and 2 are recommended.

The government has a weekly construction update on its website. Information also can be found by calling 1-844-SK-HIWAY.