SASKATOON — The City of Saskatoon has declared the third snow event of the season after receiving approximately 10 centimetres of snow yesterday and overnight, which means extra help has been called in.
Early Thursday morning, the city said roadway crews are focused on keeping high-speed and high-traffic streets, intersections and bridge decks clear. Even with de-icing material, extra moisture may cause slippery conditions during peak driving times, especially on bridges.
When a snow event is declared, contractors are called in to assist city crews with clean-up. Today, there are 24 graders, 10 sanders, six plows and five sidewalk plows moving around the city, according to a release.
The snow event response follows the Priority Street system:
Priority 1 – Freeways and major arterials. This includes Circle Drive and streets with three or more lanes each way, like Idylwyld Drive, 22nd Street and College Drive.
Priority 2 - Arterials with double lanes and bus routes. Double lane streets like Clarence Avenue, McKercher Drive and Millar Avenue.
Priority 3 - Collector streets, remaining Business Improvement District streets and school zones. These streets take you through your neighbourhood like Louise Avenue, Howell Avenue, and Main Street.
Drivers should be aware of changing weather that can affect road and sidewalk conditions and adjust their driving for the conditions. Leave extra room and watch for blue and yellow flashing lights on road equipment.
Residents who would like a sand and salt mixture to help with de-icing at home can pick some up free of charge at four locations: Cosmo Civic Centre, Lakewood Civic Centre, Lawson Civic Centre and the Material Recovery Centre. Please bring your own tools to scoop the sand and keep in mind that salt can damage concrete and paving stones.
