With the early winter in Saskatchewan and already a number of days authorities have been advising against highway travel, it was time to find out how and when highways are cleared after a snowfall and what travel advisories really mean.
Steve Shaheen, communications consultant, Ministry of Highways and Infrastructure, tells us, "The ministry can't speak specifically about driver behaviour, since that is the RCMP and SGI territory." However, they do offer the following answers to help motorists better understand their processes.
What does the ministry do to prepare for a big snowstorm?
"There is a fleet of 300 plow trucks in 85 maintenance sections throughout the province, and 600 staff capable of operating them. District operations managers also arrange for contractors to be ready as a contingency to work along with our crews if needed during major snow storms. Managers also consider bringing in staff and equipment from other maintenance regions that are not as heavily impacted by the storm into areas that are more heavily impacted by the storm. The ministry is completely prepared to hit the highways as soon as necessary.
"There are four tandem truck plows located in the Unity region."
Why is my road not getting plowed after a snowfall? Why does it take so long? How do you know what roads are being treated first following a heavy snowfall?
"Highways in the province are prioritized for snow removal and ice treatment based on highway classification and traffic volumes by the Ministry of Highways and Infrastructure.
"The first priority is what the ministry calls the Level 1 highways. These are major inter-provincial and commuter routes that connect communities with a population of 3,000 or more and have a daily traffic count of 1,500 or more vehicles. The goal is to clear these routes within six hours of the end of the storm.
"The next priority is highways with daily traffic between 300 and 1,500 vehicles or Level 2s. The majority of the roads in the Unity and Wilkie region would be classified as such. The goal is to clear these highways within 12 hours of the end of a storm.
"On all other highways with an average daily traffic count of 300 vehicles or less, our goal is to clear them within 24 hours of the end of a storm."
I don't always see plows at work. Why are there times it seems like there are no snow plows out on the road?
"During some severe winter storms, snow can accumulate fairly quickly after a snow plow has passed through the area on the highway. This sometimes leaves the impression a plow hasn't been there or hasn't been there for some time.
"In very severe storms, equipment is pulled off the road for the safety of the operators and any motorists that may be on the highway. Highway maintenance equipment will not begin work on the road if visibility is less than 200m. Equipment already on the road may also be removed when visibility is reduced to 100m."
How frequently are roads sanded or salted?
"Snow and ice removal equipment is mobilized before, during and after storms."
Sometimes, it doesn't seem they are salting the roads when they are extremely icy, why is that?
"Clearing snow and ice in a cold, windy province with a flat landscape is a challenge.
"The crews are not able to apply salt, sand or any de-icing chemical when there is strong ground drifting or heavy snowfall. This is because it makes the condition worse - the snow will pack on in greater severity in this situation - causing it to be thick and rough (like city streets). It takes a tremendous effort when that happens to scrape it off.
"Crews do their best to treat the highways to help ensure safer travel."
Where can I find information on the latest road conditions?
"The Highway Hotline provides the public with up?to?date road conditions and highway driving information. During the winter months conditions are updated at 8 a.m., 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. or whenever there are known changes that affect driving conditions. Conditions shown are those that were current at the last report. The report will only be updated if there is a change in the road conditions. To view the highway conditions map or see a text report: www.highways.gov.sk.ca. For mobile devices: http://roadinfo.telenium.ca/mobile.html. Phone numbers: SaskTel Cellular Network: *ROAD 1?888?335?7623"
What can motorists do to help ensure safety on the road?
"First you should always check the highway hotline before you head out or 'Know before you go!'
"Secondly, when you encounter a snow plow on the highway, your visibility may be limited. Slow down and drive with caution. Blading snow off the road creates a "mini blizzard" next to and behind the snow plow, especially in windy conditions. This is referred to as the snow zone.
"It is the law for motorists to slow to 60 km when passing a snow plow with lights flashing whether the snow plow is in operation or pulled over to the side of the road. Stay back and stay safe!"
Is there anything else motorists can do this winter?
"Snow plow operators are often out in treacherous conditions to make the highways as safe as possible for you - not to get in your way. However, unfortunately every winter, snow plows are hit by motorists that don't see them or see them too late. The vast majority of these accidents are rear end collisions.
"It is up to you to be cautious and drive safely in the snow zone. Stay back and stay safe!"
How do you define when travel is not recommended?
"When the Highway Hotline refers to a highway as being 'travel not recommended,' it would suggest that visibility is less than 200 m; and/or if the surface is icy; and/or the highway is doubtful; and/or the highway may be blocked.
"'Good winter driving,' on the other hand, would mean there is no specific problems, although there could be the occasional slippery section or isolated snow drift.
"Motorists would often have their own definition of what are adverse conditions on their roads and they certainly vary, but the conditions posted on the hotline would be based on experience of the crews who were out patrolling the highways."
Does the ministry ever close a highway?
"The ministry may temporarily close any section of highway during, or as a result of, winter storm conditions in the interest of public safety due to limited visibility, obstructions on the roadway or hazardous surface conditions. This could include snow blocked roads, snow drifts, ice?covered roads or traffic accidents which block the roadway."
Know before you go - check the Highway Hotline at : www.highways.gov.sk.ca, http://roadinfo.telenium.ca/mobile.html or on the SaskTel cellular network: *ROAD, 1?888?335?7623.
