Highway 7 Safety Improvements at Kindersley

Ken Francis, MLA for Kindersley, spoke on behalf of Highways Minister Lori Carr, Premier Scott Moe and the Government of Saskatchewan. On-going construction on Highway 7 served as a fitting backdrop on June 13th when Francis addressed the media.

MLA Ken Francis spoke on behalf of Highways Minister Lori Carr, regarding the construction on Highway 7. Photo by Joan Janzen

“In rural communities, transportation plays a pivotal role. We literally travel for everything,” he said. “This year’s Ministry of Highways budget invests $741 million to improve key transportation corridors.”

Through the Safety Improvement Program, the province will invest $17.6 million toward intersections, guardrails and lighting across Saskatchewan’s highway network. This follows last year’s completion of a five-year, $100 million investment in road safety.

“An example of one of these many projects is happening right here in Kindersley,” Francis said. The provincial government is currently investing an estimated $46.5 million for safety improvements at two intersections on Highway 7 in Kindersley. One intersection is Highway 7 and Highway 21, and the other intersection is Highway 7 and Ditson Drive. The work includes road widening, repaving, concrete work, street and traffic alterations, and traffic sign alterations.

On-site construction began in May and is scheduled to be completed in October, depending on the weather. Once completed, this project will make it safer for drivers to turn on and off Highway 7 as these two intersections will be widened to accommodate better turning movements of vehicles.

“Please help steer this highway construction season safely. After all, the short-term inconvenience will provide long-term benefits for decades to come,” he concluded.

Mayor Rod Perkins approached the podium, commenting on the work being done within the town of Kindersley. “Smoother roads and better infrastructure is worth the temporary inconvenience, but work is moving along quickly,” he said. “Thanks Kindersley for your patience.”