Those who often frequent Highway 20 north of Humboldt have been speaking out about the condition of the road this spring.

Work on the road south of Fulda began last year and is now set to continue this spring.

On Tuesday morning, the ongoing spring thaw and rain that occurred the day prior saw a major issue on the site, as a semi and garbage truck became stuck while attempting to pass through.

That, along with other reports from drivers has led to the Ministry of Highways receiving numerous phone calls on the matter this week.

"The condition of the section is improving now that it is drying out and the weather is cooperating. We had up to an inch of rain that fell in the area earlier in the week which caused the top of the surface to soften up," said Steve Shaheen, who works in Communications for Highways and Infrastructure. "Rain in the area and frost coming up really compounded the problem, so this caused the road surface to become soft and extremely slick and rutted."

Shaheen says that since the mess was made early in the week, the mucky surface has been cleared so that work can continue.

"These things do happen when the frost comes out. That soft material on top has been bladed off. The contractor will be adding gravel and compacting that material," he noted. "If surface maintenance is required, there will be an operator on site to do it."

He adds that the road has and will remain open due to the problem having been a temporary issue.

As for when drivers can expect a completion to the roadwork, that will be a while yet.

Shaheen says that the current work being done will conclude soon, with the next phase set to be done at a later time.

"The project is a grade raise and surface of about 2.8 kilometres. It started last fall and they have been back on site this spring," he noted. "It is expected that the surfacing portion of the project will go to tender in the fall or next spring, but right now they are making sure that the road is in a manner that is acceptable."

Shaheen added his thanks to drivers for their patience.

"We do have these issues each spring, unfortunately. The ministry does understand the state of the road is unacceptable and we have been working with the contractor to ensure it is back to a satisfactory level."

The ministry also reminds drivers to ensure proper safety when passing through the zone and to slow to 60 kilometres an hour when going through a construction zone.