Councillor Requests An Update On Corridor Safety Plan

By Robert Thomas

The often seen traffic problems on the TransCanada Highway came up as an enquiry from a councillor.

At the April 25th regular meeting of Council a question was asked about the highway corridor running through Moose Jaw.

“I’m just wondering if the Ministry of Highways is done with the corridor plan or study that they say they would have underway about safety. (They are) Looking at 9th Avenue NW and TransCanada (Highway) as well as other arterial roads?” Councillor Froese asked.

City Engineer Bevin Harleton said the City has yet to hear back from the Ministry of Highways.

“In fact it has been quite some time since they updated that, updated that on that study. I can say as part of the Urban Highway Connector program, a different program, but a similar scope of work, the Ministry is set to mobilize on May 3rd or May 9th to complete the paving on Main Street North,” Harleton replied.

A pair of semis go safely under the Main Street N overpass at the TransCanada Highway. The overpasses have seemingly seen a rash of semis with too high of loads hitting them and causing severe damages - MJ Independent photo

“Administration will have to keep following up with the Ministry for an update on this,” he said.

This past week the Ministry of Highways paved an exit ramp from the TransCanada Highway at the Main Street North overpass under the Urban Connectors Program.

Further paving is planned.

The Ministry of Highways is set to pave the northbound lane on Main Street North from Town and Country Drive (intersection next to the old Canadian Tire) to the Main Street overpass.

The Saskatchewan Urban Highways Connector Program is designed as a safe way for 16 Saskatchewan cities to move traffic onto and off of highways which pass through their communities.

The connectors are roadways which connect to highways.

Cities receive annual grants from the Province to maintain and operate urban connectors. Grants are paid out annually based upon the available budget and project applications.

Both Main Street N overpasses over the TransCanada Highway show damage from hits by semis with too high of loads - MJ Independent photo

“I think considering we had another recent impact with the overpass there it is my understanding from the Ministry (of Highways) this is something that is going to be moving forward right away. I would appreciate an update at the next Council meeting,” she said.