Grand Coulee Access Road Inspection Improvement
The Saskatchewan Ministry of Highways was open to piloting an innovative design to provide a safer and more efficient way to manage traffic accessing a truck stop at the Grand Coulee Access intersection just east of Regina on Highway 1.
The primary objectives of the design were to enhance safety, simplify traffic operations and reduce vehicle conflict points. The selected design defers the need for a costly overpass while significantly lowering collision risk. The intersection was required to accommodate large commercial vehicles, align with future network plans, and be delivered quickly and cost‑effectively.
KGS Group staff led all phases of the work—from functional planning through detailed design and construction administration—for this unique intersection. The team evaluated five alternative concepts and selected what is described as an offset left turn configuration with integrated roundabout that simplifies driver decision making. The design addresses staging and drainage while maintaining traffic flow at the location.
Now fully operational, the intersection provided upgraded highway conditions that improves safety and capacity while preserving travel times. Construction was completed under live traffic conditions through carefully managed detours and coordinated drainage control. The project delivers a practical, replicable model that can be applied at similar highway locations in the future.
Project Highlights
- Large turning movements enabled while keeping low speeds
- PG‑64 asphalt binder for rut‑resistance under heavy turning loads
- Precise culvert installation and ditch grading to maintain surface drainage through shallow grade changes
- Delivery under live traffic that can be positioned as a case study for low-cost, at-grade treatments on similar corridors
