Saskatchewan to hire consulting firm to assess Broncos crash intersection

By Ryan McKenna, The Canadian Press

REGINA — Saskatchewan plans to hire a private consulting firm to do a safety assessment of an intersection north of Tisdale where a hockey team bus collision killed 16 people.

The Humboldt Broncos junior hockey team was travelling to a playoff game on April 6 when it collided with a tractor-trailer.

The crash occurred where Highway 35 meets a secondary highway at a spot known as Armley Corner.

Rural politicians have previously called for changes at the intersection, saying it’s dangerous.

A memorial for six members of one family who died in a collision at the same intersection more than two decades ago is already in place.

Premier Scott Moe says he’s waiting for the RCMP and Ministry of Highways to finish its investigation before hiring a firm, noting the province typically looks at intersections every three to four years.

“We’re going to take a renewed interest in that this spring, looking at all of our intersections across the province to ensure that we have our rightaways clear and that we have the visibility that’s required,” Moe said Monday.

Moe adds that it’s often the case to hire outside help for highway projects.

The premier was in Saskatoon on Friday night for a Broncos tribute concert and talked to several families who were affected by crash.

He said intersection safety was discussed and the input he received was appreciated.

The rural municipality is asking the Saskatchewan government to install rumble strips at the intersection and to lower speed limits.

Moe said there are discussions about adding safety elements such as rumble strips, which will be included in the private firm’s assessment.

— With files from Bill Graveland. Follow @RyanBMcKenna on Twitter.