Saskatchewan's Ministry of Highways says weather conditions on the Trans-Canada near Regina did not get to the point where the road should have been closed Tuesday.
Spokesman Doug Wakabayashi says highways are closed when there are two hazardous conditions, such as zero visibility and ice.
Wakabayashi says conditions on the Trans-Canada were bad, but not bad enough to close it.
RCMP and Highways had issued a warning to motorists at about 4:20 p.m. Tuesday to avoid travelling on the Trans-Canada between Regina and Moose Jaw.
One truck driver told local news media that the crash in which one man was killed could have been avoided had the road been closed sooner.
In fact, RCMP and Highways say the collision itself forced a closure because a semi was blocking all the lanes.
Cpl. Rob King says the high winds and blowing snow started suddenly, but he adds drivers should always be ready for quickly changing winter conditions.
The Trans-Canada crash was one of three deadly road accidents Tuesday. The others were near Pilot Butte, just east of Regina, and near Estevan.
