Highway 4 is a major north–south provincial highway in Saskatchewan, Canada. The highway runs from U.S. Route 191 at the Canada–US border crossing of Morgan–Monchy about south of Val Marie to Highway 224 / Highway 904 in Meadow Lake Provincial Park. It is about long.
Some of the major highways that 4 intersects include 18, 13, 1 (the Trans-Canada Highway), 7, 14, 16 (the Yellowhead Highway), and 3. It also passes through the cities of Swift Current, North Battleford, and Meadow Lake. Towns accessed from the highway include Rosetown, Biggar, and Battleford. Provincial parks along the highway's route include Saskatchewan Landing, Meadow Lake, and The Battlefords.
History Highway 4 was originally designated as Provincial Highway 1, while the present-day Highway 1 was designated as Provincial Highway 4. The designations were switched around to allow for the future Trans-Canada Highway to have the same number across Western Canada.
Highway 4 follows a similar routing as the historic Swift Current–Battleford Trail between Swift Current and Battleford.
Route description
Highway 4 runs from the semi-arid hills of the Missouri Coteau near the Canada–U.S. border in the south, north to the boreal forest of central and northern Saskatchewan. The highway traverses hills, plateaus, a continental divide, and open prairie. It crosses several significant rivers, passes by large lakes, and provides access to several cities, towns, and parks.
U.S. border to Swift Current Highway 4 begins in south-western Saskatchewan at the Canada–US border crossing of Morgan–Monchy, about south of Val Marie. At the border crossing, the highway continues south into Montana as U.S. Route 191. Heading north, Highway 4 passes by the former community of Monchy en route to the east–west Highway 18. From the border to 18, it is about . Highway 18 and 4 then share a long concurrency that heads north-east past the community of Masefield towards the West Block of Grasslands National Park. Once the highway reaches Highway 607, the access road to the park, it turns north to Val Marie. At Val Marie, the concurrency ends with 18 resuming its eastward travel and 4 continuing north. On the north side of town, Highway 4 crosses the Frenchman River, which is a major river in the region that has its source to the west in the Cypress Hills and its mouth to the south at the Milk River in Montana. Highway 4 continues north from Val Marie into the hills of the Missouri Coteau following Denniel Creek — a tributary of the Frenchman River — to the community of Beaver Valley. At Beaver Valley, Denniel Creek turns west while Highway 4 continues north for a further to the village of Cadillac and Highway 13. The highway runs along the western side of Cadillac and intersects Highway 13 at the north-west corner of the village. From Cadillac, Highway 4 travels north for about to Highway 1, the Trans-Canada Highway, in the city of Swift Current. Along the way, it crosses the continental divide and descends the northern slopes of the Missouri Coteau, roughly paralleling the north-flowing Swift Current Creek. Along this segment, Highway 4 provides access to the communities of Blumenort, Blumenhof, Wymark, Springfeld, and Schantzenfeld and intersects Highways 43, 343, 721, 379, and 363.
Swift Current Highway 4 approaches Swift Current at the city's south-east corner. As the highway enters the city, it travels through an industrial area as Memorial Drive. It intersects several roads, including Airport Road, which leads out to Swift Current Airport. At that intersection with Airport Road, it crosses an aqueduct and then continues north across a set of railway tracks. A short distance later, it intersects Chaplin Street and Paterdon Drive at which point it also becomes 22nd Street NE. The highway continues north, then north-west passing by a housing subdivision, Swift Current Recreational Complex, and Elmwood Golfclub. It then crosses Swift Current Creek and has an interchange with Highway 1. On the north side of Highway 1, Highway 4 becomes four lanes for less than as it has several intersections through a commercial area that includes Swift Current Mall, big-box stores, and Cypress Regional Hospital. The highway then turns west for almost a kilometre before coming to a stop sign at the intersection with Central Avenue N. At that intersection, Highway 4 turns north and leaves the city.
Swift Current to The Battlefords After travelling north for past Swift Current, Highway 4 bends to the north-west for where it provides access to Stewart Valley, turns due east, and begins a long concurrency with Highway 738. At the end of the concurrency, 738 continues east while 4 heads north-west into Saskatchewan Landing Provincial Park. The highway then meanders down into a valley where it crosses the western end of Lake Diefenbaker (South Saskatchewan River) via a causeway and bridge. Once across the lake, the highway climbs out of the valley, leaves the park, and resumes its northerly routing towards Kyle and Highway 342. Highway 342 heads east into the Coteau Hills where it provides access to Clearwater Lake Regional Park and the Matador Grassland. Travelling north of the Highway 342 intersection, Highway 4 provides access to Sanctuary (via Highway 647) and Elrose. Just north of Elrose, Highway 4 begins a long northbound concurrency with Highway 44. From where 44 departs the concurrency and resumes its eastward travel, Highway 4 continues a further north to the western terminus of Highway 15. About north of that, Highway 4 meets Highway 7 at a four-way stop in Rosetown. Highway 7 is a major highway that connects the city of Saskatoon to points west in the province of Alberta. Highway 4 runs north along the western side of Rosetown providing access to many businesses and facilities, including the Rosetown Health Centre and Rosetown Central High School. Highway 4 leaves Rosetown heading north to Biggar. En route, it crosses Eagle Creek, intersects the eastern terminus of Highway 31, travels through Marriott at Highway 768, traverses the eastern slopes of The Bear Hills, and skirts around Richmond Lake.
Just south-west of Biggar, Highway 4 meets the eastern terminus of Highway 51, turns to the north-east, crosses four sets of railway tracks, and runs along the western side of town to Highway 14. At that intersection, the two highways begin a long south south-eastbound concurrency that runs along the northern limits of Biggar. At Main Street, Highway 14 continues east while 4 turns north towards the North Saskatchewan River. The highway heads north through Monarchvale and then begins to bend to the north-west at Highway 784 west of Lizard Lake. Almost later, it straightens out and heads west to Cando and Highway 655. From Cando, it turns north and heads into the Mosquito 109 and Grizzly Bear's Head 110 & Lean Man 111 Indian reserves. North of the Indian reserves, the highway crosses Cooper Creek and then Battle River. Once across the Battle River, it enters The Battlefords. "The Battlefords" is the collective name given to the adjacent communities of the city of North Battleford and the town of Battleford.
Once across Battle River, Highway 4 heads north towards the North Saskatchewan River where it goes from a two-lane highway to a four-lane one. Highway 4 passes by Fort Battleford National Historic Site, which is on the east side of the highway, just south of the town of Battleford. Highway 4 then runs along the western side of Battleford where it is joined by Highway 40. The two highways run concurrently to meet Highway 16 (the Yellowhead Highway) at an interchange. The three highways then run concurrently north-east across the North Saskatchewan River via the Battlefords Bridge. Once across the river, 16 and 40 veer off to the south-east while 4 continues into the city of North Battleford. It goes under a railway bridge and then comes to a four-way intersection controlled by traffic lights. Railway Avenue E approaches the intersection from the south, 11th Avenue from the east, and 100th Street from the north. Highway 4 turns north and heads out of the city as 100th Street. The road travels through commercial, residential, and light industrial as it heads out of the city. It is also at this point it returns to being a two-lane highway, almost after the four-lane section started.
The Battlefords to Meadow Lake Provincial Park From the city of North Battleford to the highway's northern terminus in Meadow Lake Provincial Park, it is about . Continuing north out of the city, Highway 4 intersects Highways 378 and 26 and provides access to Hamlin. North of the intersection with Highway 26, Highway 4 approaches Jackfish Lake, Murray Lake, and The Battlefords Provincial Park. The highway travels between the two lakes giving access to several lakeside communities, including Trevessa Beach, Summerfield Beach, Day's Beach, Pelican Point, West Chatfield Beach, Sleepy Hollow, Maymont Beach, and Cochin. North of Cochin, Highway 4 runs along the eastern boundary of The Battlefords Provincial Park. Highway 204, also known as Bayview Heights Road, branches off 4 into the park providing access to the amenities. North of the park, Highway 4 intersects Highway 674. Highway 674 heads west along the northern shore of Jackfish Lake. Highway 4 then ascends the Meadow Lake Escarpment en route to Meadow Lake. The divide between the Saskatchewan and Churchill Rivers is on the escarpment. Continuing north, the highway passes through Marlin and several small Indian reserves. It also has a long concurrency with Highway 794. It then meets, and has a long concurrency with, Highway 3 at Glaslyn. Highway 4 then continues north past Midnight Lake and enters the boreal forest. It continues north through the forested hills for about en route to the city of Meadow Lake. As the highway approaches the city, it descends from the Meadow Lake Escarpment, crosses Nolin Creek, and intersects Highway 304 and Highway 799. It then travels past Meadow Lake Golf Club and runs along the western side of Meadow Lake providing access to commercial and light industrial neighbourhoods. At the north-western part of the city, it meets, and begins a long concurrency with, Highway 55 (Northern Woods and Water Route) that first goes north then west. Highway 55 continues west while 4 turns north towards Meadow Lake Provincial Park and its northern terminus.
The final leg of Highway 4 is about long. It crosses the Beaver River and then passes through the village of Dorintosh (where it intersects Highway 779). About north of Dorintosh, the highway enters Meadow Lake Provincial Park. Shortly thereafter, it crosses the Waterhen River and ends at the junction of Highway 224 and Highway 904.
Highway 4S Several maps, such as MapArt's mapbook of Saskatchewan cities and towns shows a Highway 4S spur heading east from the intersection of Highway 4 in Swift Current to the city's airport, following Airport Road. The roadway is not designated Highway 4S on the Saskatchewan Highway's Official Highway Map.
Major intersections From south to north:
See also Transportation in Saskatchewan Roads in Saskatchewan
References
External links
Saskatchewan Landing Provincial Park The Battlefords Provincial Park Meadow Lake Provincial Park