Saskatoon Residents Wake Up to a Snow-Covered City

Saskatoon residents woke up to a snow-covered city this morning. To keep drivers moving, Roadways crews are currently plowing snow and sanding high traffic roads and Priority streets like Circle Drive. Current weather forecasts predict snowfall accumulations of 10 to 15 cm.

“It is just another day at work for Roadways,” says Eric Quail, Roadways Manager. “Our team is in great shape coming into the first snow event of the winter season.”

Roadways & Operations

Crews are currently focusing on plowing snow and sanding slippery sections and intersections on Circle Drive and Priority streets. The following has been mobilized:

• 6 Tandem Sanders
• 6 Graders
• 7 Speed Plows

In addition, City staff are undertaking the following initiatives throughout the day:

• Speed Plows are clearing snow from the main lanes and ramps of Priority streets.
• Graders are clearing snow on Priority streets like 8th Street, 22nd Street, and Idylwyld, and transitioning to other areas as required.
• A salt brine or specialty chemical is being applied as required to Priority streets.

Plowing and clearing will continue throughout the night on Priority streets and high traffic roads, transitioning to other areas of need as required.

Contractors will assist with Priority Street Grading, clearing sidewalks, bike lanes, the bus mall and River Landing.

Snow Storage Site Availability

The following snow sites are available:

• Wanuskewin, Central Avenue, and 8th Street Snow Storage Sites are open.
• The Civic Operations Centre Snow Management Facility is scheduled to open around January 9, 2017.

Sanding Operations

Roadway crews are inspecting, sanding and salting high traffic streets, bridges, and overpasses on a regular basis to provide traction and reduce icing. Sanding and salting is also occurring at intersections, curved roads and icy sections on all residential streets, as required. The sanding fleet consists of 27 sanders.

Priority Street Plowing Operations

Priority street plowing occurs on Circle Drive and Priority 1 and 2 outlying streets and rural roads, as required. The Priority street plow fleet consists of 13 tandem plows.

Priority Street Snow Removal

The Priority Street Snow Removal Program is not active due to adequate snow storage capacity. If there is a significant snow fall and Priority street snow storage is at capacity crews will focus solely on Priority streets.

“City crews will be clearing and plowing all day and night as required,” says Quail. “Please slow down and watch for flashing lights that signal winter maintenance equipment is ahead.”

For timely updates check the City website and snow and ice service alerts at saskatoon.ca/service-alerts and on Twitter by following @YXEServiceAlert.