The Trans-Canada Highway in southwest Saskatchewan has re-opened to traffic following recent flooding in the area.
"In many cases our crews and contractors have been working full-out and around the clock to get this important highway re-opened," Highways and Infrastructure Minister Jim Reiter said. "I sincerely thank them for their outstanding effort."
Motorists are advised that Highway 1 will now operate as a two-lane highway for about 3 km. For west-bound traffic, the two-lane section starts about 2 km west of the Highway 21 junction. For east-bound traffic, the two-lane section starts about 14 km east of the railway overpass on Highway 1. Motorists are advised to reduce speeds and be cautious and alert in the area.
Highway 1 was initially closed to traffic on June 19 when water crossed the road and covered about a 5 km segment of the highway that straddled either side of the Saskatchewan-Alberta border. Subsequently on June 20, a section of the west-bound lanes was completely destroyed and a portion of the east-bound passing lanes were severely damaged during a flood 5 km west of the junction of Highway 21.
Since June 21, an army of Ministry of Highways and Infrastructure crews and contractors have been working 24-hours a day to complete temporary repairs to the east-bound lanes in order for it to re-open to traffic. As many as 70 trucks, as well as construction equipment like bulldozers and track hoes have been involved in the massive operation.
With Highway 1 re-opened, the Ministry's attention now turns to restoring full, four-lane service. This involves full reconstruction of the west-bound lanes. Design work has already started and construction will begin when the design is complete. Upon reconstruction of the west-bound lanes, traffic will be moved to that side of the highway and permanent repairs to the east-bound lanes will be undertaken.
"We know travelers, truckers and area residents are eager to see normal four-lane service on Highway 1," Reiter said. "We will work diligently to fully re-open the Trans-Canada and we thank the public for their patience and understanding."
