High-Clearance Corridor Proposal

Industry representatives recognize the need for a north–south high-load corridor. The MoH’s current proposal would designate Highway 6, running from the Regway at the U.S. border crossing to Choiceland at Highway 55, as the main route. The sole exception is the Regina Bypass, as most of the city's road network cannot accommodate high-load movement. 

Carriers shared several concerns and suggestions: 

• Most large equipment manufacturers are located in northwest Saskatoon, and the current route requires carriers to travel through Prince Albert and then Highway 2 south.
• The corridor must support heavy-haul movement in the potash belt, including Rocanville and Esterhazy.
• Saskatchewan’s rules should line up with neighbouring provinces and North Dakota to avoid route disruptions.
• Industry suggested adopting a 9-metre height allowance, like Alberta.
• A predictable, consistent route helps carriers bid on jobs more accurately.
• Earlier notice of highway construction projects would improve planning, but the ministry noted that they receive updates at the same time as the carriers. Contact information for construction contractors would be helpful, as it is not always made available. 
• Higher traffic volumes in recent years have made oversized moves more difficult.
• Bypass routes at Melfort and Prince Albert were recommended to smooth traffic flow.

With a target timeline of April 1, 2026, the MoH will focus on the two biggest barriers: eliminating routes over weak river crossings and eliminating connections via municipal road segments. Additionally, the ministry will conduct a review of all existing route signage to implement rapid updates as needed.  

Project Permits Under Consideration

The second topic was a new type of permit being developed by the Ministry of Highways. The proposed Project Permit would allow companies to move multiple oversized or overweight loads over a set period using approved routes and vehicle configurations. 

This would become the third permit option, alongside: 

• Single-trip/day permits
• Annual or term permits

The MoH explained that other provinces already offer similar project-style permits. Last year alone, Saskatchewan issued about 600 permits, all reviewed by a single staff member. A project permit could significantly reduce processing time for companies moving several identical loads. 

Key points shared by the ministry: 

• The permit is still in early planning stages.
• The timeline for roll-out is 12–24 months, in partnership with SGI.
• Project permits would apply to pre-planned moves only.
• Permit pricing will not be higher than current single-trip permits.
• Possible pricing models include per-trip fees or consolidated fees based on kilometres travelled, size, and number of moves.

Industry feedback was generally positive.

• Carriers who manage large, repeated moves said the permit would save time and reduce paperwork.
• Equipment dealers said it would be helpful to apply for permits as soon as multiple equipment are ordered from the factory.
• Carriers felt the system could free up MoH staff and help reduce wait times for other permit applications.
• Opinions varied on the best pricing structure.
• Some carriers asked for flexibility to add or remove additional moves during a project.

Other Issues Raised by Industry

Carriers also took the opportunity to highlight a few concerns not directly related to the main agenda: 

• There are no safe pull-off areas for oversized or overweight loads, especially during emergencies. (breakdowns, weather, etc.)

• The MoH prefers large loads to use the Outlook bypass for safety reasons, but carriers said the bypass is poorly maintained in winter, with limited snow removal and ice control.