The City of Estevan has received funding for upgrades to one of the busiest intersections in the community.
Saskatchewan Government Insurance announced on June 29 that Estevan would receive $40,000 for improvements to the intersection of King Street and 13th Avenue, thanks to funding from the Provincial Traffic Safety Fund (PTSF).
Norm Mack, the manager of roads and drainage for the City of Estevan’s public works division, said they would use the money to replace an old pole that is currently in the middle of the boulevard and controls southbound traffic. The pole would be moved to the southwest corner.
“For foot traffic and pedestrians, that pole’s just in the wrong spot to give the walk signals,” said Mack.
Also, all of the pedestrian crossings in the intersection will have new LED crossing lights that provide a countdown with the flashing “Don’t Walk” signal, similar to other intersections in the community.
“This is one of our busiest intersections in the city, and we’re just wanting to continue to upgrade a little bit at a time, and keep current with some of the next technology and the LED lighting,” said Mack.
The funding will cover about half of the costs. The city will be applying for funding for the rest of the cost.
Construction is expected in the fall.
A total of 112 projects have been approved in 108 rural, urban and Indigenous communities across the province. In total, $1.4 million is being spent to improve traffic safety.
"The Provincial Traffic Safety Fund continues to benefit Saskatchewan people and fund projects that enhance safety on our streets and highways, in school zones and intersections," said Don Morgan, the minister responsible for SGI. "Congratulations and thanks to the successful applicants for taking this initiative – the work you do will help reduce traffic collisions, injuries and fatalities in the province."
Also receiving support were the Town of Alameda ($4,213 for speed management), the Town of Bienfait ($5,783 for Highway 18 pedestrian crossing safety) and the Town of Carlyle ($18,160 for a traffic calming project).
Twice each year, the Provincial Traffic Safety Fund grants are awarded to communities, using a portion of the proceeds from photo speed enforcement (PSE) locations. Since the PTSF was established, there have been 309 initiatives funded, totalling more than $3.6 million.
Traffic safety initiatives – including projects, equipment, programs and public awareness – must focus on one of the specified priority areas, including speeding, impaired driving, distracted driving, occupant protection and intersection safety.
Applications are evaluated by the PSE Committee, which is made up of representatives from the Saskatchewan Urban Municipalities Association, the Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities, the Prince Albert Grand Council, the Saskatchewan Association of Chiefs of Police, the Ministry of Justice, the Ministry of Highways and SGI.
Applicants must include a well-defined action plan, as well as specific, measurable traffic safety objectives and evidence-based information.
The PSE committee will start accepting applications for the next round of Traffic Safety Fund grants on July 1. The deadline to apply is Sept. 30.
