A trusted method in road repair is being used to extend the life of highways in the province. Application of a seal coat on the roadways will help protect surface and also create a waterproof layer that seals existing cracks. 

Since 2008 the Government of Saskatchewan has invested more than $11.5 billion in highway improvement which covers more than 18,400 km of Saskatchewan highways.

The process is a simple and effective way. Hot liquid asphalt is poured onto the surface before crushed gravel is spread over the asphalt and packed down.

Highways Minister Jeremy Cockrill details the importance of this process.

"Seal coating prolongs pavement life by about 10 years and has proven to be a cost-effective treatment. Approximately $23 million will be spent this year in Saskatchewan using seal coating."

A required time of about 24 hours is required to allow a proper cure.  A drop in vehicle's speed is also necessary. The reduction helps save windshields while also allowing the seal cures effectively. Its important to obey posted signs at all times even when workers aren't present. There are many reasons work zones have temporary speed reductions. Those can be: a sharp pavement drop-off, lane closure or loose gravel are examples of hazards that warrant a slower posted speed. The slower speeds also help with saving vehicles from damages. 

Approximately 900 km of seal coating is planned province-wide this year.

The Government of Saskatchewan has a plan to improve more than 1,100 kilometres of provincial highways this year, for a total of 3,500 km over the past three years. A 10-year Growth Plan has been set by the government with a set target of improving 10,000 km of highways. With current improvements, the province is ahead of the pace needed to meet this target.