Department Ready for Snowfall

With snow predicted to fall this week in Nova Scotia, Gordon Balser, Minister of Transportation and Public Works, is asking motorists to shift gears and prepare for winter driving conditions.

"We're at the time of year when adjustments have to be made to ensure motorists are safe on our highways, no matter what the weather," said Mr. Balser. "Our trucks can be quickly converted to apply salt on major highways, and we have snowplows available to get us through an early snowfall."

Fall is a time of year when heavy equipment used for summer projects and roadside maintenance jobs is converted for winter use at area bases throughout Nova Scotia. The department's Miller Lake Mechanical Branch is shipping the new plows it weaves into the system every year as part of the fleet-renewal program. There are 18 new snowplows being put into service this year, replacing aging equipment.

"The change-over from summer to winter is less of a hardship now because our trucks are designed for all-season use," said Doug Smith, director of fleet management. "Our new vehicles can be hauling gravel today and salt tomorrow -- the change over can be done in a matter of minutes."

Modern snowplows are equipped with computer-controlled salt spreaders, a front-plow and a wing-plow mounted on hydraulic lifts. They are designed for use by a single operator.

Mr. Smith said the department has been on a structured fleet-renewal program since 1994. It has put better equipment in the field to deliver service, no matter what the season. Mr. Smith said the department also has mobile service mechanics at local bases to help make conversion of equipment as smooth as possible.

"There are stockpiles in the salt domes, the trucks are being made ready and supervisors are prepared to call in operators on short notice," said Mr. Balser. "Motorists should ease off a bit when conditions change to help keep everybody safe."