TRAFFIC AND SAFETY NEED-TO-KNOWS
Going into the Remembrance Day long weekend, here are some tips for stress-free driving and travel
On Sunday, the Saskatchewan Roughriders challenge their rivals to the east, the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, in the western semifinal at Mosaic Stadium.
In addition to the game, Remembrance Day ceremonies and Our Best to You Craft Show are occurring in the same area on Nov. 11, which means there may be a high volume of traffic, as well as limited parking availability.
The city is asking residents to allow extra time for travel and parking and to keep and eye out for pedestrians and trains.
“If finding parking in heavy traffic causes stress, consider taking the free Mosaic Stadium Shuttle bus,” said a City of Regina news release.
The Regina Police Service (RPS) will have additional officers assigned to manage the high volume of traffic and to enhance safety for all game attendees and residents of the area.
TRAFFIC RESTRICTIONS
Beginning at 11:30 a.m. on Sunday, there will be no vehicle traffic allowed on the 1500, 1600 and 1700 blocks of Elphinstone Street. Access will be limited to Regina Transit buses and local residents only.
Fans and motorists will find road closures on the 1500 block of Elphinstone Street at Dewdney Avenue, Princess Street and 9th Avenue, Argyle Street and
9th Avenue, Mactavish Street and 9th Avenue, Elphinstone Street and 9th Avenue, Montague Street and 10th Avenue, Elphinstone Street and North Railway Street and Saskatchewan Drive and Elphinstone Street.
Police are asking motorists and pedestrians to follow directions, have patience and be courteous to other users of the road.
“Whether you consume alcohol or cannabis, do not drive. Be smart and plan for a safe ride home,” said the city’s news release.
The city is also urging residents to resist the temptation to text or check GPS while driving, to not leave valuables in vehicles, lock your vehicle doors and respect the neighbourhood by parking legally and refraining from littering.
STAYING SAFE
SGI has issued a number of tips to help Saskatchewan residents stay safe this weekend.
Check stops: Municipal police from across Saskatchewan will be running check stops this weekend.
“We encourage drivers to be patient as they pass through them. Police will be watching out for drivers who are impaired, distracted, not wearing seatbelts, and/or speeding,” said SGI media relations manager Tyler Mcmurchy in a news release.
Winter weather: Winter driving season has arrived and SGI is reminding drivers to be prepared before heading out on the road, take your time, give other motorists plenty of room and pack an emergency kit.
Distracted driving: Winter driving is made more difficult with distractions. Avoid a $280 ticket and four points off your Safe Driver Recognition rating by putting the phone away and taking breaks on long trips to avoid fatigue.
Wildlife: The Saskatchewan Wildlife Federation is reminding residents that we are in the midst of breeding season for deer and moose. As they are on the move looking for mates stay alert, scan the road from shoulder to shoulder and watch your speed in areas with warning signs indicating a high risk.
Oh ya, and buckle up!
POWER LINE PROJECT
Some traffic delays will occur during the coming week as Saskpower continues work on the new Pasqua to Swift Current transmission line project.
From Nov. 13 to 19, two kilometres of Highway 1 east of Herbert will be reduced to one lane in both directions and speed will be limited to 60 km/ hr. Eight five to 10-minute traffic stoppages will occur on Nov. 15 and 16 to allow a helicopter to string lines across the roadway. Between Nov. 14 and 16, helicopter stringing will also take place across Highway 4 approximately five kilometres north of Swift Current. This will require eight short traffic stoppages, however there will be no other impacts to traffic.
All of the above work is weather dependent and Saskpower will issue another media advisory if plans change.