If you have traveled the Stoughton way over the last few days, you most likely had to traverse a construction zone at the intersection of Highways 47 and 13.

The rather large project is intended to create improved safety at the junction of two busy routes, by adding turning lanes.

"They are building what we call the acceleration and deceleration lanes. A lot of base work will be completed in the next few days, and then they'll apply a scratch coat of asphalt or concrete, as they are worried about some rain," shared David Merit, the provincial Minister of Highways and Infrastructure.

"It's really a safety issue that we are working to eliminate. We're trying to make sure that we don't have any incidents at that intersection because as everyone in that community knows, it's very busy. There's also a lot of truck traffic there, and they take more time to speed up and slow down as well."

He said that they don't have a specific timeline for completion, however, they are hoping to finish it by the end of the year, depending on the weather.

"I've traveled it quite a few times, and I know that everybody else has. It's a pretty bad intersection, so we really have to try and eliminate the traffic turning in on both sides of that."

Merit also pointed out that traffic volume could increase with the addition of the oil refinery that is slated for construction near Stoughton.

"We will probably be looking at further turning lanes, but these ones will eliminate a lot of concern that we have with that."

He cautioned the public to slow down in the work zones, and to exercise patience while driving through the area.