Snow route parking ban to come into effect at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, Oct 3

Calgary has received close to 40 cms of snow since early Tuesday morning, resulting in slushy, snow-covered and icy roads, sidewalks and pathways.

To prepare for the morning commute, operational support included 59 sanders and 22 graders with crews and equipment from Calgary, Edmonton, Red Deer, Okotoks and Medicine Hat. Up to 74 operators and 40 pieces of equipment from our municipal partners will be added to assist City resources.

Today, crews will be working on major routes, ensuring the through-lanes are clear. Motorists should use caution, especially in turning lanes on the main routes and on the roads in residential areas.

The best option is to stay home and off of the roads until at least this afternoon if you can, but here are some tips if that’s not an option:

• Plan ahead, leave early and give yourself plenty of time to get to your destination.
• Bundle up and brush all the snow off your vehicle.
• Be a good neighbour and help shovel if you can.
• Look out for roads crews and emergency vehicles and ensure you give them space to work.

Transit service is anticipated to be improved today due to having additional ‘quick action teams’ with big rig tow support positioned at known trouble spots today. Those teams will be able to quickly tow out transit buses if needed. However, there still may be some impacts to service. Check calgarytransit.com before heading out for the most up-to-date route impacts.

Current Status:

• Crews continue plowing, salting and sanding Priority 1 (P1) routes, such as Crowchild Trail, Memorial Drive and Macleod Trail. (Please note: Deerfoot Trail and Stoney Trail are maintained by the Province which has its own snow clearing plan.)
• At 10 a.m., we expect crews will move onto P2 routes – those roads with 5,000 to 20,000 vehicles per day that are often bus routes.
• Crews are using all available equipment to clear the through lanes and apply material to improve traction.
• A snow route parking ban starts at 10 a.m. This ban will last up to 72 hours, or until The City declared the ban lifted.
• City crews will also be continuing to clear snow from public sidewalks, pathways and cycling infrastructure.
• Home and business owners are responsible for clearing the sidewalks adjacent to their homes and businesses. If you know someone who needs assistance with shoveling, we encourage you to be Snow Angel and help them out.

Follow @yyctransport on Twitter, and visit Calgary.ca/snow to keep up to date on The City’s snow clearing efforts.

A media update is expected to be held mid-morning. A media advisory will be issued.