The RCMP was out in full force Tuesday, due to a high volume of weather related traffic fatalities and collisions.
“Specifically, the Trans-Canada Highway between Regina and Moose Jaw is currently closed, and Moose Jaw Police Service are assisting the RCMP with traffic control to ensure no one is entering the highway,” RCMP media relations coordinator Natalie Gray said in a news release.
“RCMP members are responding to a number of collisions across the province.” Gray said. “Warmer temperatures combined with high winds have resulted in reduced visibility and icy conditions on highways from Weyburn to Lloydminster.”
At 6:20 p.m. RCMP from Regina and Moose Jaw attended the scene of two fatal motor vehicle collisions. The first collision occurred on the Trans-Canada Highway, 10 kilometres east of Belle Plaine. The second collision occurred on the Trans-Canada Highway near the exit to Pilot Butte.
At 6:54 p.m. RCMP from the Moose Jaw detachment were attending the scene of a motor vehicle collision involving a semi-truck, which blocked the westbound lane of the Trans-Canada Highway near Parkbeg. RCMP members on the scene had to block both the east and west bound lanes to facilitate the removal of the semi-truck.
“Travel on the Trans-Canada Highway is currently at a stand still due to the severe road conditions. RCMP will be on the scene of both of these collisions for several hours,” RCMP Cpl. Devin S. Pugh stated.”
“Currently, traffic is backed up on the Trans-Canada Highway, east from Regina to the Pilot Butte turn off and west from Regina to Belle Plaine,” Gray said.
According to the RCMP, since 5 p.m. Tuesday, there have been between 200 and 300 vehicles lined up on the Trans-Canada Highway east and west of Regina.
“This is making it difficult for emergency responders to respond to calls for service as the lined up traffic can be blocking the driving lane,” Gray said.
RCMP also reported, traffic being backed up on Highway 6 near Milestone, with members responding to collisions on Highway 16 in the Lloydminster area.
Motorists across the province are asked to check the Highway Hotline before heading out and to delay travel until conditions improve. Their website is: www.highways.gov.sk.ca.
According to RCMP, since 5 p.m. Tuesday, there were a total of 34 collisions across the province. Of these, 12 were in the Regina area. These collisions do not include the large number of vehicles that slid off the road and into the ditch.
