Winter Weather Poses Challenges

The return of the so-called old-fashioned winter is not only challenging resources, it is giving Department of Transportation and Public Works officials cause to increase safety awareness, especially among younger residents, and motorists.

Parents and teachers are being urged to remind children not to make tunnels in snowbanks next to the road and to refrain from coasting and sliding on roadside snowbanks.

"I want to remind everyone that safety is our number one concern," said Ron Russell, Minister of Transportation and Public Works. "Snow brings wonderful recreational opportunities but it also poses safety challenges for children and the travelling public."

Atlantic Canada, including Nova Scotia, has recorded near-record snow falls and Transportation and Public Works crews have been working diligently to keep streets and highways plowed and salted. Sometimes the snow is not the major problem facing the work crews.

"Our employees are constantly expressing concerns about children playing in snowbanks and fear they may not see the large truck or plow approaching," said Mr. Russell. "They also worry about motorists who follow closely behind plows or those who persist in trying to pass in unsafe conditions."

To assist motorists to arrive at their destination, department officials are offering some winter safety tips:

• If at all possible, avoid driving during a storm
• Watch out for ice (especially on bridges, overpasses and shaded areas)
• Beware of "black ice"
• Don't plow your driveway into the road
• Don't park on the roadside
• Salt doesn't work miracles
• Major highways are cleared first and salted more frequently
• Adjust your speed to conditions
• Keep vehicle in top working order
• Follow at a safe distance

The severe weather has also impacted road salt resources. The department has seen its salt usage increase 30 per cent over last year and salt supplies across the province are running at 50 per cent of capacity, about 35,000 tonnes.

"Our salt supplies are in better shape than other Atlantic provinces and parts of the United States, " said Mr. Russell. "However, we cannot predict the long-term weather conditions so we will be diligent in the management of our salt supply with the safety of the public our guiding principle."

Based on historical salt usage, the department will require about 120,000 tonnes of salt until the end of March. Present inventory and daily production levels indicate the department should have access to enough salt for the balance of the winter.