The provincial government is reminding motorists to slow down in highway construction zones.

During a press conference on Friday, officials emphasized highway safety by bringing attention to the “Orange Zones” on the provincial Highway Hotline website and app.

Minister of Highways, David Marit said the highways budget is just under $800,000 a year for the province, and safety plays a large role in keeping things running smoothly.

“We have over 26,000 kilometres of highway network to maintain and preserve here in the province of Saskatchewan,” he explained. “We want to ensure public safety not only for the driving public but for the construction workers as well.”

Shantel Lipp, president of the Saskatchewan Heavy Construction Association, said while the roadside projects are important for the Saskatchewan economy, the safety of the crews is an even bigger priority.

“Don’t speed. Do not ignore any of the flaggers or the signs that you see in the zone, and please stay off your phone when you are driving through a work construction zone,” she said.

Lipp explained that slowing down in construction zones can delay motorists an average of three to six minutes on their commutes, which is why looking at the Orange Zones on Highway Hotline can ensure drivers can prepare for a slower speed zone.

“Every sign, every cone, every reduced speed limit is there for one reason, and that’s to make sure that everybody gets home safely. Both workers and drivers alike,” Lipp said.

Flag person Peter Shoobert said that slowing down makes the difference for crews working along the roadsides.

“Slow down. If it’s if it says to slow to 60, it’s there for a reason. Because we’re also trying to get home safe, not trying to delay you, not trying to be an inconvenience, just trying to make sure that we’ve got it all safe for everybody,” he said.

Highway Hotline will update their Orange Zones weekly, giving motorists updated construction zone updates while the crews are busy at work.