The Government of Saskatchewan announced a more than $147 million multi-year upgrade to Highway 5 between Humboldt and Saskatoon recently reached a major milestone, as construction begins on the initiative’s last phase.
“Thanks to the bulk of the Highway 5 work just finishing in the St. Denis area and previously completed work, the final segment of these corridor improvements is now underway,” said Highways Minister David Marit. “This infrastructure project over the last few years is a benefit to our great province. It enhances motorists’ safety, thanks to improved sight lines and passing lanes. Shippers will also be able to move goods more efficiently to support Saskatchewan’s export-based economy, which sustains our province’s quality of life.”
Key work completed in October on about a 15-kilometre segment of Highway 5 in the St. Denis area that began in June 2023 included:
- Shoulder widening, resurfacing and one set of passing lanes.
- The re-alignment of two roads connecting to Highway 5, which are Range Road 314 to the south and the St. Denis access road to the north.
“Infrastructure investments like the Highway 5 improvements stretching between Saskatoon and Humboldt are vital to the success of our industry,” said Saskatchewan Mining Association President Pam Schwann. “The expansion of Saskatchewan’s world-leading potash sector brings growth to rural communities and also brings more traffic on our highways. Safety is a core value of Saskatchewan’s mining industry and the investments that have been made on Highway 5 support the safe and efficient transport of families, goods and services and employees. We are only truly successful when everyone comes home safely every night.”
Work began in September on twinning to be followed by resurfacing and associated works on a 10 km segment of Highway 5 east of Saskatoon. The twinned segment will extend 1.6 km east of the Highway 316 junction. Construction on this last portion is targeted to be completed by the end of 2027.
“The Saskatchewan Trucking Association recognizes the strategic importance of the Highway 5 upgrades, particularly in supporting the development of the Jansen Potash Project,” said director Susan Ewart. “As a primary weight corridor, Highway 5 plays a vital role in enabling safe and efficient transportation for carriers servicing one of the province’s most significant economic developments. Continued investment in this infrastructure ensures Saskatchewan remains competitive and connected.”
The following Highway 5 corridor work was done as part of this multi-year project:
- The construction of two sets of passing lanes completed in 2018 between Humboldt and Highway 2.
- Resurfacing, sightline improvements, shoulder widening and related work finished in 2021 on Highway 5 between the junctions of 316 and 671.
- A 15 km section of Highway 5 immediately west of Highway 2, which includes one set of passing lanes wrapped up in 2023.
Featured image: (Government of Saskatchewan)