Most motorists in Estevan are well aware by now of the fact that King Street has been reopened to traffic after 5 weeks of detours.

All those involved said that it took teamwork to make it all happen, and an integral part of that was the role played by the Estevan Police Service.

"For the most part, drivers behaved very well during the construction phase," stated Police Chief Paul Ladouceur.

"Keep in mind that King is a major thoroughfare through the city. Having that traffic rerouted through a residential area, I think it's important note that the residents on those side streets certainly showed a lot of patience in dealing with that increase."

He added that there will always be a few who will not abide by the rules when it comes to construction zones. 

"We did see an uptick in traffic tickets and violations when it came to things like coming to complete stops at temporary stop signs, or going above the posted 30 kilometer per hour limit. All in all, however, I think the majority of people were well behaved."

"People have to keep in mind, 'short term pain, long term gain'. This refurbishment of King is going to be very good for the city, especially since it is such a well traveled road. These are people out there working on the roads to improve your city and your streets so you can travel easier. However, it doesn't happen by magic, nor by the snap of a finger. There is some time that it takes to get this done and done properly, so we all just need to have a little patience," he expressed.

Ladouceur also made note of the fact that phase two of the project has yet to take place, when a second lift of asphalt will be laid.

"Be mindful that this is something that they obviously can't do in the winter, it has to be done when the weather is good. Everybody wants the nice road and fresh pavement to drive on, but nobody wants to take the time to let that happen. I'm urging people to be patient, follow the detour route, and most importantly slow to the speeds that are indicated. The last thing that we want is to see somebody get hurt."

The newly rebuilt route also has some changes when it comes to the traffic flow, in the form of 4 lanes and a slight 'S' turn just before the intersection of Bannatyne and King.

"It's a little bit of an inconvenience that there is a jag in the road. However, at the end of the day the lines are clearly marked, so just follow them and you will be fine."

"Eventually the whole length of King will be fresh asphalt, and you won't be bumping along in that south lane like we have been for so long, so kudos to the City for that," Ladouceur concluded.