Truck route open for winter

Phase 2 of the Yorkton West Truck Route Project - temporarily opened last week for winter usage.

The Saskatchewan Ministry of Highways and Infrastructure advised motorists the provincial road connecting Highways 16 and 52 is now in use but only as a gravel driving surface that can accommodate primary weight trucks.

Primary weight is "the highest weight allowed for on all provincial highways," explained Dan Palmer with the provincial Department of Highways.

Although Phase 2 of the Project has yet to be completed, the road was temporarily opened for the winter because the sub-grade (material under the road's surface) is frozen and stronger.

This temporary opening is to help accommodate farmer traffic in the area that would otherwise need to seek alternate routes.

"It will accommodate farmers hauling product," said Palmer.

While open, Palmer reminded the road is not completed, and has only a gravel surface at this point.

People using the road should be aware of the condition and be ready "to obey the signs," he said, adding "the speed limit is 60 (kilometres an hour)."

The road will be closed once again in the spring when the sub-grade thaws and becomes soft to prevent damage from the weight of traffic.

"As we get closer to spring they will monitor it," said Palmer.

Following the spring closure, construction will resume on Phase 2.

Phase 2 is expected to permanently open to traffic with a paved driving surface in 2012, after construction is completed.

Palmer said the plan is to have the road completed, including paving, by July 2012.

"But, we'll see what spring and Mother Nature have in store for us. The date could fluctuate depending on the weather," he said.

The condition of the road can be monitored on the province's Highway Hotline at www.highways.gov.sk.ca/road-conditions