Drivers Urged to Stay off Roads

The Department of Transportation and Public Works is appealing to Nova Scotians to stay at home and stay off the roads. Heavy snow and strong winds have reduced visibility to almost zero on many roads and highways.

The Cobequid Pass has been closed because visibility is zero.

If you have no other choice but to drive, up-to-date road conditions are available online at www.gov.ns.ca/tran and then click on Road Conditions and Weather in the top left corner. You can also call 1-800-307-SNOW (7669) or 902-424-3933 in Halifax.

At the moment, department snowplows are trying only to maintain the major routes -- 100-series highways, trunks, and numbered highways. Even then, drivers are slowing down for safety reasons. White-outs are common. The blowing snow is covering the roads almost as soon as they are plowed. Secondary roads should be avoided.

Most of the mainland is in the throes of a winter blizzard while Cape Breton and the counties of Pictou, Antigonish and Guysborough are receiving heavy snow and winds.

If you have to drive, please be extremely cautious and stay well back of snowplows.

ram January 21, 2000 11:42 a..m.