Work has been going on at the Highway 35 and 355 intersection, known as the Armley Corner, since 2019. (File Photo/northeastNOW Staff)

By Mat Barrett

Intersection Safety

Two out of five years complete in provinces $100 Million dollar plan to improve highway intersections

Feb 6, 2021 | 8:00 AM

The Saskatchewan government continues to work to improve highway intersections in the province.

The second year of a five-year, $100 Million plan has just wrapped up with 108 projects done in 2020 according to Minster of Highways and Carrot River Valley MLA Fred Bradshaw. So far $40 Million has been invested in the first two years.

After the Humboldt Broncos bus crash in 2018, the provincial government decided to investigate every intersection in the province, leading to this five-year plan. The intersection of the Broncos crash, Highway 35 and 335, needed 13 improvements according to the review.

“We just only have two more left to go,” Bradshaw told northeastNOW. “And we plan on having that done by the beginning of April.”

The two remaining portions include some tree removal, as well as moving some power lines. The improvements that already are done include new signage, rumble strips, and moving the entrance of the Cargill plant.

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Some projects that were completed in the last year locally included some work in Tisdale at the rail crossing, improvements at Highway 6 and 35 near Choiceland, photo radar at the Wakaw intersection, and more.

The blue dots are the projects completed in 2019/2020, and the blue are the projects completed in 2020/2021. (Submitted/Minstry of Highways)

Heading into 2021, a total of 79 projects are scheduled including turning lanes on Highway 23 and 55, and some embankment work near Greenwater Provincial Park.

There are a number of projects locally scheduled for 2022 including turning lanes west of Valparaiso, and turning lanes west of Tisdale, as well.

“These things have to be done to try and ensure the safety of everybody,” Bradshaw said. “Travelers, workers, you name it.”

Bradshaw also mentioned other highway projects are on the go as well including more work on Highway 55 east of Carrot River.

“Highways, I’ve always said, is a continuing project in Saskatchewan,” he said.

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mat.barrett@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @matbarrett6