ARMLEY — The relocation of overhead power lines is the only item outstanding on the provincial government’s 13 recommendations for the intersection of Highway 35 and 335 where the Humboldt Broncos tragedy occurred.
The Humboldt Broncos tragedy happened on April 6, 2018, when a driver of a semi-truck who ran a stop sign collided with the Humboldt Broncos team bus, claiming the lives of 16 individuals and injuring 13 others.
The following review of the Highway 35-335 intersection, conducted by McElhanney Consulting Services Ltd. and released on Dec. 12, 2018, gave a total of 13 recommendations.
These included various sign related enhancements, installing “Stop” and “Stop Ahead” pavement messages, constructing a new roadside memorial and access road, removing the gravel roadway, install railway signals on break-away bases, installing light standards on break-away bases, mill rumble strips on Highway 335 approaches, installing larger sized “Stop” and “Stop Ahead” signs, painting a solid centreline on Highway 35 and Highway 335, realigning grain elevator access to Highway 335, widen shoulders, and realigning overhead power lines.
This summer’s construction season marked the 12th recommendation being completed, with the trees, located on private property at the southeast corner of the intersection of Highways 35 and 335 removed to improve drivers’ sightlines.
Steve Shaheen, with the Ministry of Highways said they are waiting for SaskPower to move the overhead power lines, which were deemed by McElhanney Consulting Services Ltd. to be a distraction.
“We’re working with our partner with SaskPower and relying on how that unfolds,” Shaheen said.
“The location of the line runs adjacent to the memorial so out of respect to the families the Ministry continues to consult them regarding this.”
There is no specific timeline available for the overhead lines, which McElhanney Consulting Services Ltd. listed as the 13th priority of the 13 recommendations with a low relative-cost benefit and a timeframe of greater than 10 years.
