GOVERNMENT OF SASKATCHEWAN AND CITY OF SWIFT CURRENT CONSIDER SAFETY OPTIONS ON HIGHWAY 1

Officials from the City of Swift Current and Ministry of Highways and Infrastructure are working together on a plan to consider short and long-term safety options for pedestrian traffic on Highway 1 through Swift Current.

"In light of two recent tragic fatalities and with the knowledge that pedestrians are crossing Highway 1, both the provincial and municipal governments are concerned about safety on Highway 1 through Swift Current," Highways and Infrastructure Minister Don McMorris said. "We'll work together to consider options for improved safety."

"We look forward to working with the Ministry of Highways and Infrastructure to ensure pedestrian safety along Highway 1," Swift Current Mayor Jerrod Schafer said. "The safety of our residents is paramount to this council and administration, and we will address this issue within our Transportation Master Plan."

Following the most recent pedestrian fatality, the Ministry of Highways and Infrastructure initiated a speed and pedestrian study on Highway 1 through Swift Current. In addition, officials from the ministry met with the City of Swift Current, RCMP, and consultant MMM Group on June 15 to discuss safety and transportation planning. MMM Group will suggest options for immediate and long-term solutions to address safety concerns on Highway 1 through Swift Current as part of the City of Swift Current's Transportation Master Plan.

Potential safety options could include improved traffic guidance through signage, pedestrian walkways, improved transit or a variety of other options.

The city and Ministry of Highways and Infrastructure will receive options from the consultant and jointly decide on both short and long-term safety options.

The city and Ministry of Highways and Infrastructure share responsibility for safety issues on Highway 1 through Swift Current under the Urban Highway Connector Program. All decisions on traffic operations issues such as speed limits, access onto the highway, installation of traffic control devices and safety will be made consensually between the ministry and the city.

The Swift Current Transportation Master Plan is expected to be completed this fall. In the interim, Swift Current and area residents and other users of Highway 1 through Swift Current are strongly discouraged from walking on or crossing Highway 1.

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For more information, contact:

Rosann Semchuk
Highways and Infrastructure
Regina
Phone: 306-787-6815
Email: rosann.semchuk@gov.sk.ca
Cell: 306-526-9345

John R. Statton
City of Swift Current
Swift Current
Phone: 306-778-1623
Email: j.statton@swiftcurrent.ca