Residential street snow grading is complete, snow removal beginning on Priority 1 streets

The City of Saskatoon received more than 50 cm of snow in a six-day span to begin the month of March, putting the Roadways Emergency Response Plan into action.  

After finishing priority street grading far ahead of schedule, the City has now completed grading on all residential streets as well as industrial areas, with the exception of a few problem locations with special operational requirements. These individual locations will be addressed over the next few days. Grading on streets in residential and industrial areas will also reduce the potential for rutting as temperatures fluctuate. 

Tall snow piles along priority streets where sightlines may be reduced are being addressed. Drivers should continue to proceed with caution near intersections and crosswalks. 

The last phase of the snowstorm response involves partial implementation of Phase 5 of the ERP. Snow removal has begun on Priority 1 streets and is expected to take about two weeks, though weather changes may adjust this timeline. Snow removal has already been completed in school zones, and Business Improvement Districts will be fully completed tonight.  

Snow removal along Priority 1 streets and in Business Improvement Districts will help alleviate concerns with flooding as temperatures rise, and with the upcoming spring street sweeping. 

Snow removal on residential streets will not take place unless there is a localized serious safety concern, which will be assessed and addressed, as required. We will prioritize some snow removal in areas where lack of visibility from the snow pile is causing a serious safety concern. 

As snow melts, potholes can develop when water gets into small cracks and expands. We continue to repair potholes on high priority streets using a cold mix, which is considered temporary until hot mix asphalt is available mid- to late-April. We also continue to maintain utility cuts using gravel. Residents are encouraged to help the City locate potholes and settled pavement cuts by calling the Customer Care Centre or using Report-a-Pothole application for non-emergency locations. Learn more about pothole and utility cut repairs at saskatoon.ca/potholes. 

Crews are now addressing alley access and clearing snow from back lanes, pushing it to the side while trying to keep garages and driveways clear. If your back lane is impassable, you may send your address, concern and photos to customercare@saskatoon.ca to be inspected.   

Please remember to slow down when you are in and around work zones and be aware of our equipment and staff working in roadways and in residential areas. We thank you for your patience.