WINNIPEG March 21, 2007 - City of Winnipeg Streets Maintenance crews are currently engaged in a variety of springtime work activities.

Freezing temperatures overnight combined with warmer daytime temperatures (freeze/thaw cycle) cause slippery conditions, potholes and water runoff on city streets.

The following activities are currently underway:

• Pothole Patching - Patching crews are fixing potholes that are starting to appear on city streets. Public Works is currently using pothole patching machines (Roadpatchers) and cold-mix hand asphalt patching crews in all areas with a focus on the Regional street system.
• The public is encouraged to report pothole locations by contacting 311 (4653). Pothole locations can also be reported online at Winnipeg.ca/publicworks
• Thawing Activities - Thawing crews are presently opening frozen sewer inlets and culverts to allow melt water/snow run-off to drain from streets and enter the sewer system.
• Ditching Efforts – Crews are engaged in removing snow, ice accumulations and debris from city ditches to assist the water runoff in those areas.
• Street Sanding and Salting Activities – City crews will continue to monitor street conditions and apply sand and salt to address traction concerns as required.

The City would like to remind the public to please use caution around heavy equipment which will be operating throughout the city over the coming weeks.