Winter Road Report Available

Nova Scotians are being asked to play it safe this winter and check on road conditions before heading out on the province's highways. A simple act of accessing up-to-date information on road conditions could be a life-saving step.

Ron Russell, Minister of Transportation and Public Works, urged Nova Scotians to drive cautiously in the coming months and to use the department's road report, which returns to service Friday, Dec. 1. The service is available online or by telephone.

"Winter can provide challenging driving conditions," said Mr. Russell. "I encourage motorists to call our road report line and access up-to-date information on road conditions."

Motorists across the province can call 1-800-307-SNOW (7669) for the latest weather conditions. In metro Halifax, call 902-424- 3933. Provincial road conditions are updated at 7 a.m., 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. In the event of a storm, the road report is updated more frequently to give motorists the most recent information available.

The road report is compiled by Department of Transportation and Public Works staff from more than 20 locations across the province. The information is also available on the department's website at www.gov.ns.ca/tran . Just click on road conditions and weather for the current road report.

"Transportation and Public Works staff do an excellent job keeping roads salted, sanded and plowed," said Mr. Russell. "And with the road report line available, the public is able to do its part by being aware of conditions and then driving appropriately."

kjd November 30, 2000 3:09 p..m.