Staff Ready for Blizzard; Urge Caution on Roads

TRANSPORTATION/PUBLIC WORKS--Staff Ready for Blizzard; Urge Caution on Roads

Staff from Nova Scotia's Transportation and Public Works Department are asking the public to use added caution and stay off the roads when winter storm conditions begin today, Feb. 18.

More than 400 plows will be on provincial roads tonight and the province's 1,000 snow removal staff are ready to swing into action.

"Keeping the roads clear is what our snow removal staff train for and this is what they do best," said Ron Russell, Minister of Transportation and Public Works. "Drivers can help by staying off the roads. If travel is not necessary during the storm, please stay off the roads."

A blizzard warning has been issued for mainland Nova Scotia and Cape Breton Island. Weather reports predict up to 50 centimetres of snow and high winds.

Mr. Russell also urged drivers to stay well back of plows as they clear snow off provincial roads.

The department provides updated road condition reports three times a day, seven days a week in winter by calling toll-free 1- 800-307-SNOW (7669), or 902-424-3933 in Halifax Regional Municipality. The service is also available online at www.gov.ns.ca/tran .

The province is responsible for 23,000 kilometres of roads and highways, and spends between $36 million and $40 million a year on snow and ice removal.