Motorists heading west of Humboldt on Highway 5 will have noticed construction crews working along the side of the road.

Passing lanes are currently being developed, as part of the province's plans to help with safety concerns on the road to Saskatoon.

Steve Shaheen with the Ministry of Highways and Infrastructure says that there are two sets being developed east of the Highway 2 junction.

"When these are complete, this highway improvement will increase safety and allow for more efficient movement of people and goods," he explained.

The lanes will be set up in around a 20 kilometre span from Humboldt to Highway 2.

Many have wondered why lanes are first being done on the section between Humboldt and Highway 2, considering the number of accidents that have taken place between the junction and Saskatoon.

Shaheen notes that it is a longer process, due to the state of the highway.

"It is a little more complex due to the terrain, so the ministry requires a little more time to plan and design for safety improvements," he said. "That could include wider shoulders, passing lanes, and different things to address the topography, which are the hills."

He added that discussion is ongoing to find a solution.

"We're working on it now and coming up with different options for that," he noted. "Our focus right now is on the construction because that is what people can see, but behind the scenes, there is discussion and work on the design."

Shaheen says that work on the road west of Highway 2 is likely another year or two away from beginning.

"These safety improvements would not be able to be carried out this current season," he said.

In July, SGI and the RCMP are putting an added focus on work zone safety, so the ministry is reminding drivers to slow to 60 kilometres per hour, even when workers aren't present.