The first part of a plan to improve safety on Highway 5 between Humboldt and Saskatoon is complete.

Passing lanes were developed over the last several months, and progress is to a point where they are now fully able to be used by motorists.

The province says that the two new sets of lanes between Highway 5 and 2, west of Humboldt, are operational.

A section of the new lanes will be completed in 2018 with paving, though drivers can still make use of the lane until that occurs.

"The growth of Humboldt, Saskatoon, and the communities in between, combined with strength of the Saskatchewan economy, mean more traffic on Highway 5," stated Highways Minister David Marit. "Municipal governments, businesses, the public and other stakeholders have been calling for safety improvements for many years."

The development of passing lanes was a $7.5 million project by the government, is also internally reviewing ways to make the road safer between the Highway 2 junction and Saskatoon.