living
WHAT ’ S UP WITH …
Snow & Ice Control on Lethbridge Roads ?
JAMES NICHOLLS , TRANSPORTATION OPERATIONS COORDINATOR , CITY OF LETHBRIDGE
PHOTOGRAPHY : COURTESY OF CITY OF LETHBRIDGE
WHEN WINTER WEATHER HITS , the City of Lethbridge ’ s goal is to help motorists get around our city as safely as possible , and snow crews are ready to mobilize whenever snowy weather arrives .
All winter , the snow operations centre is staffed around the clock , seven days a week . In recent years , new technology has also been added that allows City staff to :
• monitor weather systems so staff can be scheduled accordingly and proactive anti-icing measures can be taken before it starts snowing ;
• monitor temperature and road conditions on the Whoop-Up Drive bridge using sensors installed in the bridge deck ;
• remotely control variable speed signs and message boards along Whoop-Up Drive ;
• monitor the movements of sanding and snow clearing equipment in real time . When a snow event is imminent , snow crews will apply anti-icing material to
Lethbridge ’ s busiest arterial roads , and during a snow event , crews will first focus plowing , sanding , and salting efforts on Priority 1 routes . These are determined based on traffic volume and road incline , and include :
• Whoop-Up Drive
• University Drive
• Mayor Magrath Drive
• 26 Avenue North
• Scenic Drive
• Bridge Drive
• 28 Street North
• Brewery Hill ( 1 Avenue S ., west of Scenic Drive )
• 5 Avenue North ( from Highway 3 to Stafford Drive ) After a snow event ends , and all
Priority 1 routes are plowed and sanded , crews shift their focus to lower priority routes . Currently , the City typically doesn ’ t plow residential roads unless they are impassable for emergency vehicles and the general public .
Lastly , remember that when winter weather hits to :
• slow down and adjust your driving for winter road conditions ;
• stay a safe distance behind the vehicle in front of you ;
• stay a safe distance behind snowplows and sand trucks ;
• NEVER pass a snowplow or sand truck .
Do you have a question you ’ d like to ask the City of Lethbridge ? Submit it to editor @ lethbridgeliving . com and we ’ ll get you some answers !
Visit lethbridge . ca / WinterRoads for more information .
14 LETHBRIDGELIVING . COM JAN-FEB 2017