City declares 4th snow event: City crews continue with de-icing and road-clearing operations
This weekend’s on and off snowfall has resulted in a total accumulation of 7 cms, meeting the City’s threshold to declare its 4th snow event of the winter. At 5cm or greater, the City calls in contractor graders to help grade all priority streets quickly. Contractors also assist in clearing snow from sidewalks, pathways and walkways on bridges. Priority streets include the busiest streets in Saskatoon such as freeways, arterials, collectors and school zones.
Although most of the freezing rain predicted for Saskatoon missed us, the City still recommends drivers and pedestrians use caution on streets and sidewalks this evening and for the morning commute. Drivers should adjust their driving for the road conditions, slow down and use extra caution, leave extra room between cars, and watch for blue and yellow flashing lights on the City’s road equipment.
With the snow, fluctuating temperatures and a return to the -20’sC forecast for overnight, City crews will continue to monitor road conditions and apply de-icing materials to improve traction along priority streets, bridge decks and busy intersections.
With higher-than-average snowfalls so far this winter, the snow piles are getting bigger along priority streets. Removal of these piles is ongoing however, with the changing weather it will be interrupted as staff are reassigned to ensure driving lanes on priority streets are in good condition.
A reminder for people on residential streets where grading did not occur this winter: residential streets will be graded just before the spring melt if the snowpack on streets is 15 centimetres thick. This will help prevent deep ruts as the snow softens. The graded snow would be stored in piles in the parking lane and would not be removed.
Learn more about winter road maintenance at saskatoon.ca/snow.