Saskatchewan cuts ribbon on new truck inspection station

YORKTON, Sask. — Highways and Infrastructure Minister Wayne Elhard celebrated the launching of a new $556,000 commercial vehicle inspection station in Yorkton.

The station will weigh and inspecting more than 11,000 commercial vehicles a year.

“Our Transport Compliance officers help prevent accidents and protect our roads by ensuring commercial vehicles move safely across Saskatchewan,” Elhard said. “This new facility will go a long way to making sure our employees have the right tools to carry out their enforcement activities.”

The new facility replaces a former station built in the 1950s. There are a number of improvements, including the elevation of the inspection station which allows officers to speak to drivers at eye-level. Up to 60 trucks pass through the inspection station during a shift. The facility has four permanent staff and also serves as a worksite for staff from Wynyard and Hudson’s Bay.

The minister took the opportunity to express optimism about the growing economy in the region.

“This city has attracted the attention and investment dollars of two huge companies planning to build canola crushing plants here,” Elhard said. “With its well-developed network of highways and two major rail lines that link to export markets, the Yorkton advantage is clear. We want to ensure the current economic momentum continues both here in Yorkton and the province as a whole. One of the best ways to do that is to improve and maintain transportation infrastructure so critical for economic development.”

Discussions are currently underway with the two canola plant proponents about enhancing transportation infrastructure in the region.