Roadwork on Highway 39 between Estevan and Regina is progressing at a steady pace, aided until recently by the weather, but it won't quite be wrapped up in time for the long weekend. Still, the Ministry of Highways has been pleased with the progress so far.

"I think we can safely say they are going well," said Patrick Book, senior communications consultant with the Ministry of Highways. "We are in the second year of work there, it started back in 2020 with the initial announcement of the five sets of passing lanes and other improvement work that was set to start there."

Recent rain notwithstanding, the weather has been nearly ideal for construction crews so far with very little need to delay due to the weather. With that boost from Mother Nature, they've been able to get a little more accomplished in a short time than they usually would. 

"You've probably heard us talk about the necessity of the weather cooperating to get anything done in a timely fashion," Book said. "We are always at the whim of nature here in Saskatchewan, it can play a big part. But we've seen excellent progress so far."

Right now, the roadwork in the Estevan area is on track to be completed by the end of July. This applies to the stretch of highway from Weyburn to Corinne as well. So by the end of the summer, much of Highway 39 from Estevan to Regina will have brand new passing lanes. 

"Right now, in the (Weyburn) area, they're looking at doing some of the milling and paving," said Book. "Near Yellow Grass, milling and paving as well... They're asking motorists, as always, to slow to 60 when they come towards work zones."

Book added that speeding through construction zones when workers are present results in triple the usual fine. He also said that some construction crews will take a pause over the long weekend and resume on Tuesday, but not all of them will take the weekend off so people should prepare as if workers will be present. 

Book was not able to say yet whether or not the project will come in under budget.