Estevan and Weyburn residents got some straight answers last week from Highways and Infrastructure Minister Don McMorris.
The response wasn't what we were hoping for, but full measure must be given for the frankness of his response to the Time to Twin committee.
The minister pointed out that in terms of raw traffic volume, Highways 39 and 6 (south of Regina) are not as high as they are along Highway 7 (Saskatoon to Delisle) or Highway 16 (Saskatoon to Clavet).
There is recognition that the traffic is heavy from North Portal to Estevan, comparable or exceeding the other two routes, but that our local committee would have to make their case based on matters other than volume which includes heavy truck traffic.
So we shall.
We begin with value of product and the international status of the Highway 39 throughway. It's a vital cog for food and manufactured products coming into and departing Saskatchewan. Those goods have to travel quickly and efficiently. The international business hub in Regina only intensifies that pressure. Canada Border Services Agency statistics inform us that traffic is increasing at a rate of 10 per cent or greater each year.
Statistics released by the ministry state that the Highway 39 and 6 route has had just over 600 collisions on it over the past five years, resulting in 19 deaths.
Highway 7 has had 876 collisions and 23 deaths, they say. But are those numbers for collisions and deaths between Saskatoon and Delisle?
Highway 16, they say, has witnessed 1,004 collisions and 19 deaths, again, we have to assume, if the ministry is being consistent with their comparisons, those 1,004 collisions occurred between the outskirts of Saskatoon and Clavet. Or are those collision and fatalities recorded between Saskatoon and let's say Kindersley or in the matter of Highway 16, are the stats gathered from Saskatoon to Yorkton? Somehow that was one response that wasn't quite clear.
But whether the ministry cares to compare apples with apples or apples with oranges, the fact remains there is only going to be so much that can be done within the next couple of years regarding rebuilding provincial highways.
No. 11 and No. 1 highways have received the bulk of attention for the past 10 years. When it came to No. 1, the federal government became a player because of its national status. But when No. 39, an international highway, is brought forward for scrutiny, the response is a blank stare.
Cross Canada? Vitally important. Cross continents? Well, we'll see.
We understand that we can get myopic when it comes to local issues. We struggle to see the bigger provincial picture and the pressures that Highways and Infrastructure have on them to serve all residents and travellers. We try to keep the eyes, spirit and mind wide open to accept all arguments.
But when you have been told by government, on several occasions, this is the economic region that is driving our current growth, you might come to expect a little bit of added consideration.
We received some when this government agreed to come to the table to take up their share of rebuilding Highway 47 through Estevan because it had crumbled so unexpectedly.
So what happened?
Perhaps it's the fact that it's the alternate route to Regina that takes pressure off Highway 39?
Perhaps statistical studies should include Highway 47 volumes lumped in with Highway 39. After all, if 39 is too busy and dangerous, then they use 47, which was just recently resurfaced and is now suffering from traffic abuse.
Does anybody wonder why this factor doesn't come up in the apples to apples to oranges comparison?
We still believe very firmly there is a desperate need to twin Highway 39.
If it is not to be twinned, then the big question surfaces.
What will be done with this highway of the damned?
