City snow removal crews are still dealing with the aftermath of a winter storm that dumped more than 20 centimetres of snow in the region two weeks ago.
Although traffic is now flowing smoothly along most of the major roadways, the city has begun clearing remaining snow from collector roads, which should be wrapped up by the end of the weekend.
The city has already been out plowing on collector roads and now crews will focus on removing remaining snow from streets, as well as snow from driveway entries.
According to Bob Stephen, manager of operations for public works, the city’s snow and ice policy states when 20 to 30 centimetres of snow accumulate, it’s time to clear it from collector roads.
Typically the city budgets for two collector snow clearings and one residential clearing a season.
Snow removal on residential roads normally occurs when the snow pack reaches an average of 12 to 15 centimetres, or when that snow pack softens, creating headaches for drivers.
Stephen is still evaluating whether residential streets will be cleared at this time as well.
“Residents can rest assured that snow clearing is occurring in an effective, timely manner,” said Stephen. “I’ve got most things cleared up. Once we get through the collector snow removal, things will look pretty good, unless we get some more snow of course.”
The first major snowstorm of the year earlier this month created havoc for drivers and pushed snowplows and graders to work around the clock.
The city’s snow clearing policy states all arterial roads, such as St. Albert Trail and Boudreau Road, must be cleared within 12 hours. Collector roads, which include major roads within neighbourhoods, must be plowed within 24 hours.
Earlier this fall, city officials projected to be over budget on snow and ice removal by about $200,000 due to a citywide snow clearing effort last February. That budget variance will likely increase as a result of the recent snowstorm.
