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By Justine Kelsie

City prepares for possible icy roads

Nov 22, 2017 | 4:13 AM

City crews are ready for inclement weather, according to the City’s Transportation Services Manager.

Robert Carroll explains that on top of keeping their materials topped up, workers look ahead at the forecast to plan for things like freezing rain or a large amount of snow. Environment Canada has rain mixed with snow in the forecast for the next few days.

“Normally, the way we prepare for that is to make sure all of our sanding and salting units are operational and we make sure we have enough product. We got about 10,000 tonnes of sand…We make sure we have enough materials to get through this event, should it occur,” explained Carroll.

Sand is used to create traction for vehicles when the temperatures are holding below minus 11. Carroll explains that when it gets warmer, they use road salt.

“We will do our patrols and monitor our forecast and conditions. Our main priority is the arterial roads and bus routes. We will keep the intersections as sanded and salted as we can, and go from there.”

Any icy sections or intersections can be reported to the city. Each item will be looked at by a worker and dealt with if necessary, according to Carroll.

On top of prepping for freezing conditions, Carroll and the crews look ahead for when there may be more crews needed for snowy conditions. They will continue following the Residential Snow Removal Program which has the plows and graders go through each neighbourhood the day before garbage day. For Wednesday, plows, and graders will be going through Riverstone, Cobblestone, Smith, Highland Park, Swanavon, College Park, Avondale, and VLA/Montrose neighbourhoods.  

A new addition is coming to the program as of December 1, 2017. Windrows will no longer be left in the driveways of resident’s homes. Due to funding being moved to Carroll’s department, another piece of equipment will pass through each neighbourhood. The snow that would usually be left in the driveway will then be piled on the front of each property. 

by Justine Kelsie