Winnipeg, MB - In response to the snow storm early this morning and today, City crews are working as quickly as possible to clear Priority 1 and 2 streets, which include all main routes, bus routes and collector streets. This truck plowing operation will continue overnight and tomorrow until completed. Front-end loaders are being used to assist the truck plowing operation to clear intersections, bus stops and crosswalks. Plowing crews will also be addressing locations that are prone to drifting snow such as outlying areas.
Sanding and salting trucks are continuing to address conditions on the roadway, and improve traction.
Plowing of sidewalks on main routes is underway which will be followed by plowing of sidewalks on bus routes and collector streets in the coming days.
Plowing of back lanes will begin Tuesday morning from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and will continue daily until completed.
About 250 pieces of equipment will be used for this clean-up operation. Public Works is continuing to monitor weather forecasts and conditions for additional plowing requirements.
"As we have hundreds of pieces of equipment working to clear streets and sidewalks over the next few days, we want to remind motorists and pedestrians to use extra caution when driving or walking near snow clearing equipment and sanding trucks," said Terry Danter, Acting Manager of the Streets Maintenance Division.
This snow clearing operation is estimated to cost approximately $1 million.
Residents are urged to adjust their driving behaviour by making allowances for winter driving conditions. Drivers are advised to factor in additional travel time to get to destinations, slow down to a safe travel speed for winter conditions, and allow appropriate stopping distances. Pedestrians are reminded to use proper winter footwear and use caution when walking on sidewalks.
There are no winter parking bans in place at this time.
Snow clearing operations commenced in accordance with the City Council-approved Snow Clearing and Ice Control Policy, which can be found online at winnipeg.ca/publicworks/snow/snow-clearing-policy.stm