A County of Grande Prairie snow plow clearing the roads (photo courtesy of the County of Grande Prairie)

By Liam Verster

No Snow Removal

County of Grande Prairie suspends road clearing work due to cold weather

Jan 13, 2020 | 11:46 AM

The County of Grande Prairie has temporarily suspended road clearing operations, due to the extremely cold weather.

The County’s weather procedure state that when the mercury falls below -35 degrees Celsius, non-emergency road maintenance operations must be stopped. Working in these frigid temperatures is a safety hazard, and increases the risks of damaging road maintenance equipment.

Road clearing operations will resume when the temperature rises above -35 °C. Operations will start in Wedgewood on Tuesday, weather permitting, and then move to the subdivisions of Taylor Estates and Maple Ridge.

Residents are reminded not to park in restricted areas, and to not pile or push snow from their property onto the roads, as it slows the snow clearing process and can create a traffic safety hazard.

Following the County’s lead, the City of Grande Prairie has also temporarily suspended some snow clearing operations.

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Crews will continue to clear priority 1 roads, which include major arteries and primary access roads for emergency vehicles, and priority 2 roads, which include transit bus routes and major collector roadways. However, crews will not be clearing residential roads until the mercury rises again.

Meanwhile, the City is asking drivers to travel with caution and slow down when on the roads, as ice control measures such as sand and salt are less effective during extremely cold temperatures.

All primary and secondary highways are the responsibility of, and maintained by, the Ministry of Transportation. Questions or concerns about highway maintenance can be directed to Alberta Transportation at 780-538-5310.

Highway conditions can be found at 511 Alberta’s website, or by calling 5-1-1.