Crews continue action in the fight against residential snow

Today is the seventh day of the Snow Event Seven Day Plan. Crews have cleared and maintained all priority roads including major thoroughfares, connector routes, the central business district, cross walks, emergency routes, commuter roads, hills, bridge decks and ramps. Some City forces will now be available to join contracted crews in clearing residential roads.

While the forecasted warm weather will give Calgarians a reprieve from the cold temperatures, it is expected to cause a new set of challenges for drivers. As the snow and ice thaws and melts, roads will become slush covered, making it difficult for motorists to manoeuvre vehicles in some areas. Roads crews will continue to work through the weekend to mitigate these conditions as much as possible. City-wide, crews have removed approximately 3,200 truckloads of snow since January 6, 2014.

Both contracted and City crews will continue focusing on residential roadways, addressing communities across Calgary that are considered high priority. At this time, The City does not plow alleyways. However, the Roads Department will continue to work closely with Waste & Recycling to ensure that back alley access for garbage/recycling pick-up is available.

Although the weather is warm, Calgarians are advised to continue to drive to conditions and follow these winter driving tips. Prepare for the soft snow and melting along roadways by clearing curbs, gutters and catch basins to minimize pooling, and prevent ice from forming. As The City plows residential streets, snow may be pushed onto sidewalks, and Calgarians may need to shovel their walkways. Please remember that not everyone is physically able to do this. If you see a neighbour in need, be a Snow Angel and help them shovel their sidewalk too.

City Roads would like to thank Calgarians for their patience, as we continue to tackle snow and ice throughout the city. The City has received approximately 15,000 public inquiries through 311 since the first storm in December, and Crews are working to address each inquiry. For more details, a wealth of information is available on our Snow and Ice Control Update page, on calgary.ca, as well as on the newly created Snow Action Schedule map.

We appreciate your understanding as we continue to manage this unprecedented winter!

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