Another overpass has been hit in Saskatoon, prompting renewed questions about why multiple strikes have occurred this month. Drivers had to put up with more delays along Circle Drive between 108th Street and Attridge Drive Sunday afternoon and into Monday morning, after a large vehicle struck a railway overpass. Lane restrictions were in place for several hours as crews responded. The incident marks the latest in a string of overpass collisions in the city, raising concerns among industry leaders about safety and accountability. The overpass at Highways 11 and 16 was struck on March 5 and then the overpass at 108th Street was hit March 11. Now, the CPKC rail crossing over Circle Drive around Attridge Drive. Susan Ewart, executive director of the Saskatchewan Trucking Association says, trucking companies work daily on our roadways and incidents like this are not typical. “Thousands of trucks move through our province every day, and most companies do so safely and efficiently,” Ewart told CTV News. She says specialized load carriers usually follow strict procedures to avoid these types of incidents. “You do this day-in and day-out. You know how to work with the appropriate government bodies to obtain the necessary permits to move that type of equipment. Your drivers are typically quite well trained,” she said. Saskatoon police say they cannot release any names because the investigation is ongoing. It’s unclear whether the company involved had experience handling oversized loads. Ewart says she is open to exploring a “three-strike” system, similar to one used in British Columbia, that could help hold repeat offenders more accountable. They risk getting their license pulled for multiple offences. In a statement, the Ministry of Highways said the current standard clearance for new bridge construction is 5.3 metres, though some older structures are lower due to their age. The ministry added it is the driver’s responsibility to know their vehicle height, plan their route and avoid obstacles. Kim Gartner, the minister responsible for highways, said inspections of all provincial highway structures are planned, and the province will also review its penalties. “We do a periodic review of what those fines are, and we’ll take a look at when the last time that was done,” Gartner said. Still, questions remain about whether more can and should be done to prevent future strikes. “I feel like there’s going to be some tougher penalties coming down the line and there should be. There should also be accountability from the carrier or contractor,” Ewart said. Canadian Pacific Kansas City told CTV News in an email that the bridge inspection is complete and the rail line is operating normally. The City of Saskatoon also confirms that vehicle traffic in the area has returned to normal.
