CHECK ROAD CONDITIONS TO SAFELY PREPARE FOR HOLIDAY DRIVING

The Ministry of Highways and Infrastructure reminds motorists to be extra cautious when driving during this holiday season, and to check the Highway Hotline for road conditions before they set out.

The ministry has added a new interactive roadmap to the Highway Hotline website, making it easier for travellers to check road conditions when planning their holiday trip.

"With Christmas here, many of us will be travelling across the province to share the season with family and friends," Highways and Transportation Minister Jim Reiter said. "One of the simplest things motorists can do to make their journey safe is to check road conditions before getting in their vehicle. With improvements we have made to the Highway Hotline, this is now easier than ever."

The interactive map allows motorists to check road conditions on a regional basis by selecting a region from a drop-down menu and then clicking on a specific highway.

"Even when it's clear and sunny, circumstances like drifting snow and pavement frost can cause winter driving conditions," Reiter said. "Please allow extra time for travelling this time of year, to safely arrive at your destination."

Up-to-date road conditions are available on the hotline 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Conditions are updated a minimum of three times a day and more frequently as circumstances warrant. The Highway Hotline can be accessed:

• By phone, toll-free at 1-888-335-7623 or via *ROAD on the SaskTel cell network;
• On the web at www.highways.gov.sk.ca/road-conditions/.

Highways in the province are prioritized for snow removal and ice treatment based on highway classification and traffic volumes (Annual Average Daily Traffic - AADT):

Level 1 -- Inter-provincial routes and highways with greater than 1,500 AADT
The highest priority is given to major inter-provincial routes, commuter routes and highways that connect communities with populations of 3,000 or greater. For example, Highways 1, 7, 10, 11, 16, and 39 are Level 1 highways.

• Snow removal is initiated as soon as practical or after 3 cm of snow has accumulated;
• Snow is plowed from the driving lanes within six hours of the end of the storm. Additional time may be required in extreme circumstances; and
• Ice is treated or assessed for treatment as soon as practical and within six hours of the end of the storm.

Level 2 - Highways with an AADT between 300 and 1,500

• Snow is plowed from the driving lanes within 12 hours of the end of the storm; and
• Ice is treated or assessed for treatment within 12 hours of the end of the storm.

Level 3 - Highways with an AADT less than 300

• Snow removal commences as soon as resources are available without jeopardizing service on Level 1 or Level 2 highways and should be plowed within 24 hours of the end of the storm; and
• Ice is treated or assessed for treatment within 24 hours of the end of the storm.

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For more information, contact:

Doug Wakabayashi
Highways and Infrastructure
Regina
Phone: 306-787-4804
Email: dwakabayashi@highways.gov.sk.ca
Cell: 306-536-0049