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If you’ve headed south on Highway 2 toward Assiniboia recently, you may have experienced some delays.
That’s because of a major resurfacing project stretching approximately 41 kilometres from the Highway 2 and Highway 13 junction near Assiniboia to the Ardill Access Road.
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Devin Pacholik with the Ministry of Highways says it’s an extensive improvement project.
“That work includes resurfacing approximately 41 kilometres of highway and the installation of 12 culverts to improve drainage and support long-term conditions of that roadway,” said Pacholik.
Pacholik said crews have completed crushing operations and are making progress on milling, surface mixing, priming and paving.
“Culvert work is also well underway with culvert installations completed and additional culvert work continuing,” added Pacholik.
The project is part of the province’s ongoing work to maintain and improve Saskatchewan’s transportation infrastructure.
Pacholik said that includes “the repair and replacement of culverts to help manage water flows, protect the roadway, and improve long-term highway reliability.”
Drivers travelling through the construction zone should expect reduced speeds, stoppages, single-lane traffic, flaggers and pilot vehicles.
“Drivers may also encounter fresh oil, loose stones, rough surfaces, dust, and construction equipment. We want to remind motorists to slow down, follow posted signage, and watch for workers in those construction zones.”
Pacholik recommends checking the Saskatchewan Highway Hotline for the latest construction and road condition information before heading out.
The highway work has also affected those travelling to and from Assiniboia.
Assiniboia Mayor Sharon Schauenberg is reminding motorists to give themselves extra time when travelling through the construction zone.
“If you’re a person that’s in a hurry to get to Moose Jaw, it’s not going to happen,” said Schauenberg.
“You’ve got to allow yourself. It could be anywhere from 20 to 40 minutes extra, depending on what they’re exactly doing.”
Schauenberg said there are two temporary traffic lights at different sections of the project, with pilot vehicles escorting traffic through portions of the construction zone.
“You don’t know what you’re driving on, and on which side, because you’re flipping back and forth because, of course, there’s equipment working, there’s paving going on, there’s dump trucks dumping material.”
Schauenberg said she’s heard of motorists attempting to avoid the construction by taking grid roads, which has led to safety concerns during harvest.
“Combines are running, farm equipment, so some people are trying to sidetrack and go down grid roads and they are not adhering to anything. There was my friend out by Congress, almost had a vehicle hit her combine.”
Schauenberg said there have also been reports of littering along some grid roads.
“That’s fine if you want to take the grid roads and you want to try and avoid the traffic and the stops, but you need to also pay attention because there’s heavy equipment out there right now.”
Despite the delays, Schauenberg said she’s appreciative of the work being completed on Highway 2, which serves as a major route into Assiniboia.
“For something that is well needed and a partnership with the province, being able to recognize that this needs to be done and to get that work done through the province and the Ministry of Highways, I’m okay with waiting 30 minutes. Oh my God, the new stuff is beautiful.”
The project is expected to continue into the fall, with completion dependent on weather conditions.
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