Highway Closure Authorization
Year: 2024
Resolution
WHEREAS, in the event of a storm or unsafe driving conditions the authority to close a Saskatchewan highway lies solely with the Ministry of Highways; and
WHEREAS, once a highway has been closed by the Ministry of Highways, the travellers can only be made aware of the closure through media and the Highway Hotline or through the limited number of digital signs located at major urban centres; and
WHEREAS, in the event of an accident on a provincial highway yet to be closed by the Ministry due to the time it takes for Highway staff to patrol and make the determination on the condition of the road, first responders are required to attend to said accident putting themselves at risk;
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT SUMA advocate the Provincial Government to authorize the Royal Canadian Mounted Police in collaboration with the Ministry of Highways to determine if a Saskatchewan highway should be closed once it is no longer safe to travel, for the Provincial Government to install permanent activatable barriers and/or indicators of road closures at more points on provincial highways to ensure travellers are made aware of the road closures and in a manner that alleviates this responsibility from other less equipped local first responders, and to allow RCMP to fine drivers choosing to go around a blockade with an increased penalty.
Provincial Response
Dear Randy Goulden:
Thank you for your letter from April 22, 2024, inviting the Ministry of Highways (ministry) to respond to the following resolution passed at the Saskatchewan Urban Municipalities Association (SUMA) 2024 Annual Convention:
2024-07 Highway Closure Authorization
During a winter storm, the ministry may close sections of a highway for safety reasons if driving conditions are extremely unsafe or the highway is impassable. Ministry staff monitor Environment Canada's weather forecasts and conduct on-road visual inspections to determine when to close or re-open highways. Road conditions and closures are reported to our Highway Hotline, website and mobile app. The Highway Hotline is the most effective way to communicate this information.
The ministry works closely with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) and has well established clear procedures for determining road closures. If the RCMP needs to temporarily close a highway due to a traffic collision, they immediately notify the ministry through the Highway Hotline with pertinent information and details about the closure. They also inform the Highway Hotline when the road has been re-opened to traffic. This process ensures that the public is informed in a timely manner.
It is important for the ministry to retain the authority to issue road closure notices to maintain uniformity throughout the province and effectively communicate winter road closures to the public. Ministry staff undergo training to assess and report road conditions to the Highway Hotline and make appropriate road closure decisions.
Erecting barricades for road closures on a provincial highway during a winter storm or extreme weather road conditions poses logistical and resourcing challenges due to our extensive highway network with multiple access points. It would also pose significant safety. risks to have staff erect barricades under extreme road conditions or limited visibility during winter storms. With the resources available, the ministry prioritizes clearing the roads as quickly as weather conditions permit and updating the Highway Hotline.
Moreover, ensuring the safety of emergency vehicles and timely communication with drivers navigating the highway network is the main priority during severe weather conditions. In addition to the Highway Hotline, the ministry utilizes highway cameras, social media and variable message signs (VMS) on major corridors to alert the public about road closures. The ministry is actively exploring the installation of additional VMS signs at key points across the highway network. Together with the recently announced "Track My Plow" feature on the Highway Hotline, drivers can make informed decisions about safe winter travel.
Under The Highways and Transportation Act, drivers in Saskatchewan can be fined up to $1,000 for travelling on a closed highway, aligning with similar measures in other provinces such as British Columbia, Manitoba, and Ontario.
I appreciate the opportunity to respond to this resolution. The Government of Saskatchewan is continually seeking opportunities to collaborate with local governments and enhance the safety of our highways.
Sincerely,
Lori Carr
Minister of Highways
