RISK FOR ICY DRIVING CONDITIONS WITH SNOW & COLD TEMPERATURES

Environment Canada is forecasting -28 C and colder over the weekend and the City would like to caution drivers of the affect these cold temperatures can have on driving conditions.

Roadway crews are out now and will continue to keep high speed roads clear throughout the snowfall, sanding and salting as required.  Extreme cold can create icy conditions on sidewalks and roads, especially on bridges and overpasses.  In addition:

- The very cold road conditions combined with ice crystals in the air settle and cause roadways to be more slippery than usual winter driving conditions.  Condensation, which drifts from vehicle exhaust when stopped or in rush hour traffic near intersections, may also contribute to more frost on the road.

- During very cold weather, on Circle Drive sand is applied more frequently as it does not stick to the roadway as well as it would under warmer temperatures.
- We are continuing the pilot project for the use of the magnesium chloride additive to sand as a de-icer and applying it to Circle Drive and the priority 1 streets as salt is ineffective for melting ice below -16 C.
- We take extra precautionary measures in extreme weather conditions: All bridge decks are checked and sanded every two hours.  Bridge decks are usually sanded just before rush hour because it’s very difficult to sand during peak times.

City Crews will be doing their best to keep roads sanded and salted, so please watch for equipment on the road.  The large machines used are equipped with flashing amber lights, move slowly in teams of two or more and can be found on the road at any time of day or night.  Drivers should stay a minimum of 15 metres back from the equipment and approach slowly if passing is necessary.   

When safe to do so, drivers can report icy locations to Public Works Customer Service at 306-975-2476.

For more City of Saskatoon Public Service Announcements, News Releases, Traffic Detours and Service Alerts, visit www.saskatoon.ca or connect with the City of Saskatoon on Twitter and Facebook.