Highway 5 construction east of the Highway 2 junction is in full swing once again this construction season. Prior to the long weekend travel, motorists should be aware of wait times, road conditions, and detour alternatives. 

The Highway 5 corridor has been under construction for the last two seasons, and the work continues on widening, grade, access, and sight line improvements for the next couple of years, says Steve Shaheen, senior communications consultant for the Ministry of Highways.

“Langenburg Redi-Mix of Regina is the contractor, and they are currently working on Phase 2. That’s from the intersection with Highway 2 to about 15 km west. Construction will include repaving, widening, sight line improvements, and construction east and west bound for the passing lanes.”

Shaheen says motorists can expect delays of up to 20 minutes or more. Those wait times have been confirmed by travellers who have ventured down the road. The roadway has been reduced to one lane with the asphalt surface removed, so conditions are compromised, particularly when the roadway is wet. 

The Ministry is recommending a return to alternate routes. Highway 2 to 27 to 41 may add a bit of additional distance but may actually save travel time. Similarly, Highway 2 south to Highway 16 will bypass all the construction. In the Highway 5 construction zone, speeds are reduced to 60 km/hour maximum, but motorists would be hard pressed to attain those speeds in some areas.  

“It’s a 15 km stretch, and this part of the project will actually be constructed in two stages. By doing so, crews are actually limiting the amount of road construction along the stretch of highway.”

Design work is under way for the final 15 km stretch of Phase 2 to Blucher Road. 

Video messaging boards will be in place advising motorists to consider the alternate routes. It’s all part of the two Saskatchewan seasons motif, winter and construction, that will have a big payoff, says Shaheen. 

“The light at the end of the tunnel will be that there’ll be huge safety improvements on Highway 5.”