Ministry of Highways was twinning the highway from Saskatoon to Clavet, necessitating the relocation of a SaskPower fiber optic cable. To minimize disruption, the repair was planned for the weekend, with two splicing crews working simultaneously. While splicing techniques remain consistent, working on a live critical system requires confidence and the ability to perform under pressure.
In the broader context, the task highlighted the importance of careful right-of-way selection. Collaboration between utilities and infrastructure is crucial, especially on the outskirts of major cities. The high likelihood of development means that sharing 5-10 year master plans can save everyone time and money.