Spring flooding washing out Saskatchewan highways

REGINA — Truckers and motorists traveling in Saskatchewan are being warned that potential flooding and above average moisture levels in much of the province may adversely impact area highways this spring.

Forecasting by the Saskatchewan Watershed Authority indicates much of the province will experience above-average runoff, with significant potential for flooding. Well above normal conditions are predicted across the province from as far south as Indian Head to as far north as the Wollaston Lake area.

Spine Shaker: It may be a very bumpy ride for
truckers in Saskatchewan this spring and summer.

Saskatchewan Transportation & Highways reports that highway could be marred with more potholes and surface breaks, as well as flooded highways and culvert and bridge washouts. Surface conditions may be further impacted by a relatively mild winter with more freeze-thaw cycles than normal.

“Thin membrane surface” highways are particularly sensitive to surface breaks in the spring, especially when impacted by heavy commercial loads. However, large amounts of spring moisture can impact paved class highways as well.

In order to prepare for what is a “rough spring season,” the government has increased its maintenance and preservation budget to $170 million — an increase of $44 million over the start of the last fiscal year, says Transportation Minister Eldon Lautermilch.

“We have materials, crews and equipment at the ready, but it will also take time — time for the roadbeds to dry out, and time for our maintenance crews to get to all areas of the province in order to make long term repairs.”

To deal with the potential impacts to the highway system, the department has launched an aggressive surveillance program that enables crews to quickly provide warning to motorists and provide short term repairs, including using the Highway Hotline as a centralized point of contact for the general public and municipalities to report trouble spots.

It is also prioritizing clearing culverts, bridges and other drainage structures so that they can handle runoff at their design capacity. Also, the province is investing an addition $5 million in crushing to have materials strategically placed for spring maintenance repair.