The Ministry of Highways and Infrastructure is taking extra measures this spring to prepare for potential highway and bridge damage caused by flooding.
"Extensive sections of the highway network were under water, or in the case of Highway 1 near the Alberta border, wiped out entirely by flooding last year," Highways and Infrastructure Minister Jim Reiter said. "The ministry is making every effort to be as prepared as possible in the event that we see more flooding this year."
While construction on a massive arch culvert began last summer in the new westbound lanes of Highway 1 to prevent future flooding of that section of highway, other plans and preparations have taken place during the winter and spring of 2011 to ensure a quick response to potential problem areas on the highway network:
Data from the Saskatchewan Watershed Authority and ministry historical experience is being used to assess potential flooding locations.
Extra equipment and supplies have been ordered including steamers to thaw out frozen culverts, water pumps and additional signage and barricades. For example, additional supplies in the southern region alone include: 60 portable lighting stands, 1,400 signs and markers, 150 sets of barricades, eight 400 gallon water tanks, 11 pumps, 56 night flagging kits, 250 barricade lights and 10 steamers.
Bridge replacement components have been stockpiled to ensure quick restoration of bridge structures.
Emergency trailers have been assembled throughout the province, and ministry staff will be redeployed from drier areas of the province to respond to trouble spots where needed.
A detailed list of contractors and equipment, including back-hoes, track-hoes, loaders, steamers and water pumps, has been compiled so ministry staff can quickly arrange to bring in extra help.
Ministry staff have met with local urban and rural municipalities, the Saskatchewan Watershed Authority, the RCMP and other stakeholders to ensure co-ordination of efforts.
Every spring the ministry clears culverts, bridges and other drainage structures so they can handle runoff at their design capacity. An aggressive surveillance program is underway to flag trouble spots and provide immediate repairs where possible, as well as keeping the general public informed with the most up-to-date information through the Highway Hotline.
Motorists are urged to view the interactive highway conditions map online at www.highways.gov.sk.ca or http://roadinfo.telenium.ca/mobile.html for hand-held devices. Motorists may also wish to call the Highway Hotline toll-free number at 1-888-335-7623 or *ROAD on the SaskTel network.
