Saskatchewan鈥檚 highways are now a little more colourful.聽
Beginning Dec. 21, blue and amber flashing lights were activated on all Ministry of Highways and Infrastructure snow removal equipment during regular winter maintenance activities.聽
鈥淭he blue and amber light combination is unique to snow removal equipment, so it helps motorists identify when equipment is working on the highways,鈥� Deputy Premier and Minister Responsible for SGI Don McMorris said, on behalf of Highways and Infrastructure Minister Nancy Heppner. 鈥淲hen you see the blue and amber lights flashing please slow down and stay well back of the snow removal equipment.鈥澛�
The blue and amber lights were installed on provincial snowplows, graders and snow blowers. The light combination will only be used when the equipment is plowing or blowing snow, sanding, salting or surveying the condition of the highways.聽
Saskatchewan joins Manitoba, Ontario, Newfoundland/Labrador and Yukon in adopting the blue and amber light combination.聽
鈥淏y adding the blue lights to the ambers already in use, we鈥檙e hoping to increase visibility and awareness of our snow removal equipment,鈥� McMorris said. 鈥淎t this time of year, we鈥檙e all in a hurry. Increasing visibility of equipment will help everyone get home safe.鈥澛�
When motorists come across snowplows and similar equipment that is in operating mode, they are advised to stay back. The operators will pull over approximately every 10 kilometres or when it is safe to do so, giving motorists an opportunity to pass.聽
Motorists are reminded it is illegal to pass snow removal equipment at more than 60 km/h when the lights are flashing.聽
Drivers are also urged to check the Highway Hotline for road information before heading out on highways this winter or call 1-888-335-7623 for latest road conditions. 聽
