SNOW Line Begins Operations via Telephone, Internet

TRANSPORTATION/PUBLIC WORKS--SNOW Line Begins Operations via Telephone, Internet

The Department of Transportation and Public Works' SNOW line is up and running again this year.

The SNOW line provides road condition reports on the province's major highways. This service is available by telephone and the Internet.

"I encourage motorists to check our SNOW line so they can access up-to-date information on road conditions," said Ron Russell, Minister of Transportation and Public Works. "It could be a life- saving step as winter can provide difficult driving conditions."

Drivers across the province can call 1-800-307-SNOW (7669) for the latest road and weather reports. In metro Halifax, call 902- 424-3933.

The SNOW line is updated daily at 7 a.m., 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. In the event of a major storm, the road report is updated more frequently.

The information is also available on the department's Web site at www.gov.ns.ca/tran . Just click on the "Road conditions and weather" button in the upper left-hand corner of the page for the latest information.

The SNOW line is put together with reports from about 30 department bases across Nova Scotia and Environment Canada weather reports. The SNOW line's Cam Allen also updates Nova Scotia's road report for the Weather Network.

The service begins around Dec. 1 each year and runs until March or early April. It has been in operation for more than two decades.

"The SNOW line is one more tool that drivers can use to get ready for winter driving," said the minister. "I encourage drivers to use the reports, and to slow down in bad weather."