Snow Event Update

Following the first blizzard of the season The City of Calgary’s Transportation Department has worked hard to keep Calgarians on the move.

All available Roads crews have been working round the clock maintaining Priority 1 routes and are moving onto Priority 2 routes according to The City’s 7 day snow plan. They are continuing to plow and apply a sand/gravel mixture called pickle to the roads due to cold temperatures.

A Snow Route parking ban was declared at 9 a.m. this morning, December 4, to help our crews clear Priority 2 routes as efficiently and safely as possible. The parking ban supports snow plowing operations by removing parked vehicles from the streets, and allowing crews to clear snow from Calgary roads quicker. If you live on a Snow Route, we ask that you move your car, so that our crews can clear your street faster. This will allow them to get to residential roads quicker.

Due to heavy accumulations of snow, high drifting, and utility work, the following roads will remain closed until further notice:

•          Country Hills Boulevard between Metis Trail and Barlow Trail N.E.
•          36 Street N.E. between 80 Avenue and Country Hills Boulevard

There are currently some ongoing planned and emergency road construction projects that are expected to cause traffic delays.

• 14 Street S.W. at 90 Avenue/ Heritage Drive  - Constructing a number of longer-term improvements to the intersections, including new turning lanes and adjusting the signals and street lighting in the area. Work will be ongoing through the winter and into the spring.
• Memorial Drive Bank Restoration – This flood recovery work is being  done in an effort to stabilize the riverbank after the flood. Eastbound Memorial Drive is reduced to one lane between Centre Street and 3 Street N.W. from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. on weekdays and 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekends. Construction will be ongoing until late December.

Visit Calgary.ca/trafficinfo for up-to-date road closure and incident information.

Yesterday Calgary Transit put several bus routes on detour due to the heavy snowfall. Since then Roads and Transit have worked together to get these routes back on track. Now only the following two routes remain on detour:

• Route  419 is detoured via McLeod Trail to Mission Road northbound and southbound.
• Route 71 is detoured and will remain on Taradale Drive and travel west on 80 Ave N.E. to north on Saddletowne Circle and reverse for southbound.

For more information on snow related bus detours visit CalgaryTransit.com.

While City crews are working hard winter driving conditions still exist. Drivers are reminded to take the following steps before beginning their commute:

• Tune up and winterize your vehicle.
• Consider installing appropriate tires to the season.
• Clean snow and ice off your vehicle and ensure your lights and your windows are clear.
• Give yourself extra time to reach your destination.
• Reduce your speed and turn on your headlights.
• Drive defensively.
• Leave extra distance between you and the car ahead of you.
• When road conditions are difficult, consider using Calgary Transit.
• Consider delaying your trip until the roads are in better condition.  

The City of Calgary would like to thank Calgarians for their patience during this storm.

-30-

Public Contact Information:

The City of Calgary, 311 Operations Centre

Phone: 311 or from outside the local calling area phone 203.268.CITY (2489)