Road Terminology - Highways and Infrastructure

80% of traffic is carried on our principal system of highways which is 5,031 km in length (20% of the total network).

Did you know.....

that the maximum speed limit through any construction zone on a Saskatchewan highway is 60 km/h. This law is in effect when the construction zone is signed and when workers and/or equipment are present on the road. Anyone disobeying this law will be charged and prosecuted. In some construction zones the speed limit may be less than this but these will be marked with legal signs. You must obey the signals from the flag person controlling traffic in the work zone.

The following are the definitions and terminology Saskatchewan Highways and Infrastructure uses to describe various conditions that you may encounter on our provincial highway system. These are standard terms you will see when we post highways conditions on our web-site or you will hear when accessing our recorded road information by telephone.

Paving	Laying of hot bituminous mix with a paving machine on the highway surface. Short delays in travel to be expected.
Grading	Complete reconstruction of highway. Detours, delays and possible highway closure.
Surfacing	Maintenance or construction activity on the highway surface. Short delays in travel to be expected.
Seal Coating	Applying hot liquid asphalt to the highway surface then covering with a graded aggregate to produce a waterproof membrane to the highway surface. Expect delays, dusty conditions, reduced visibility, loose and flying stones and fresh oil. Avoid these construction zones when possible to reduce vehicle damage caused by other vehicles failing to reduce speed limits.
Graveling	Placing additional gravel on our graveled highways, primarily located in northern Saskatchewan.
Under Construction	A variety of smaller maintenance or construction projects. Expect minor delays.

Impassable	Road Closed - use alternate route.
Local Detour	Short Detour around construction site.
Washouts	Road closed due to washouts from flooding or heavy rain .
Bridge Repair	Bridge is under repair, usually one lane traffic with restricted widths.
Water over Road	Water is running over the highway. The areas will be controlled by flagpersons. Traffic is allowed through when conditions are safe.
Flooded	Highway closed - under water.
Fires in Area	Highway may be closed without notice - visibility may be reduced by smoke.
Reduced Speed	Recommended reduced speeds due to road condition.
Surface Breaks	Breaks in the pavement or potholes. Most common during spring thaw period. Known failures will be marked.
Rough	Driving surface may be rough from construction activities, surface breaks or on gravel highways following extreme weather conditions.
Slippery	Usually associated with gravel highways following heavy rains.
Heavy, Rutted	Usually associated with gravel highways or new construction following heavy rains. Travel not recommended.
Towing Traffic	Heavy rains due to new construction can make road impassable to normal traffic. Vehicles must be towed through. Alternate route recommended.
Windrows	Windrows of gravel material on highway during construction.
Sharp Drop Off	The shoulder has been cut away during construction leaving a sharp drop.
Flag Person	Flag person - the workers who carry these signs provide traffic control in the construction zone. You must always obey the signals from the flag person.
Pilot Vehicle	Traffic must be piloted through the construction zone. Expect delays of 5-15 minutes.

		Winter Road Terminology

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