Analyzing meteorological risks to highway infrastructure in Saskatchewan

Highway infrastructure is essential to Canada’s transportation system, supporting economic activity and regional connectivity. However, its sustainability is increasingly challenged by meteorological hazards. This study conducts a detailed spatial risk assessment of Saskatchewan’s major highways by analyzing six climate-related factors: flood-prone areas, precipitation mm d⁻¹), snowfall (cm d⁻¹), extreme temperatures (minimum and maximum in °C), and wind (maximum gust speed in km h⁻¹). Using ArcGIS, hazard maps were developed and reclassified through three methods: equal-weighting, score-based assessment, and the analytical hierarchy process (AHP). Seasonal variations were also addressed by generating separate risk layers for winter and summer conditions. The results indicate that southern and south-central Saskatchewan especially around Regina and Saskatoon faces the highest cumulative climate risk. Conversely, northern regions show isolated high risks but minimal infrastructure impact due to sparse networks. The integrated risk maps provide actionable insights for transportation authorities to prioritize climate-resilient planning, reduce service interruptions, and improve long-term road network reliability across varying seasonal extremes.