Highway Hotline changes aim to make information clearer, more concise

As winter approaches in Saskatchewan, Highway Hotline would like to remind users of some terminology changes announced in September.

Dan Palmer with the Ministry of Highways says the changes were enacted to provide clearer and more concise road information to help drivers make more informed decisions.

Palmer also said it was intended to make the terms more in line with neighbouring provinces to the east and west.

Terminology changes include:

• Bare: Road is marked in black, meaning all wheels of a passenger vehicle are on a bare surface.
• Partly Covered: Road is marked in yellow, meaning two wheels of a passenger vehicle are on a snow or ice-covered surface.
• Covered: Road is marked in pink, meaning all wheels of the vehicle are on snow or ice.
• Travel Not Recommended: Road is marked in blue, meaning that visibility is less than 250 metres and the road could become impassable.
• Closed: Road is marked in red, meaning the highway is impassable.

“We stopped using white on some of the colors because it simply didn’t show up very well on the digital map,” Palmer said on Monday.

“So, there are some of those practical considerations which also make it more clear and concise for motorists before they head out.

“We want all motorists before they head out on the highway to check the Highway Hotline before they go. Especially with potential snowy weather coming in, or perhaps you’re travelling to the (CFL) Western final to cheer on our team in that match.”

Snowfall warnings are in place for the RM of Maple Creek and Cypress Hills Provincial Park. Southwestern areas in the province could also experience up to five cm of snow by Tuesday night.

Environment and Climate Change Canada said Regina and Saskatoon could also receive some freezing rain. It also said any snow that fell in the province could melt due to the temperatures expected for the rest of the week.

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