The Manitoba government says it’s ready to clear 19,000 kilometres of provincial roads during an already snowy winter season.
The province’s snow-removal crews utilize 317 pieces of equipment, including 16 new units, ready to roll as snowfall increases.
“When snow and ice affect the provincial highway system, our highway crews are ready regardless of the time of day or cost,” said Infrastructure and Transportation Minister Steve Ashton.
Over the last six years the province has replaced 132 truck plows, 51 graders, 39 wheel loaders and 12 snowblowers.
Ashton said snow removal and ice treatment is based on traffic volumes and factors such as maintaining local emergency access for medical and fire services.
He said an emphasis will be placed this year on clearing high traffic and major trade corridors first.
Ashton is asking drivers to watch for snow-clearing equipment on highways and provincial roads.
Drivers are reminded:
• that all maintenance equipment uses flashing, blue warning lights;
• to stay well back of all equipment;
• always to remain alert when following or approaching oncoming plows;
• not to attempt to pass a plow in operation from behind at any time; and
• to slow down when passing approaching snowplows in operation.
The latest information on any road restrictions is currently available at www.gov.mb.ca /mit/roadinfo.
Up-to-date details on Manitoba’s road conditions are available any time at 511 (toll-free), at www.mb511.ca or by following the Twitter account at www.twitter.com/ MBGovRoads.
– Compiled from a Government of Manitoba news release
