Calgary crews out maintaining major roads amid heavy snowfall
Posted Nov 23, 2024 11:12 am.
Last Updated Nov 24, 2024 1:18 pm.
The City of Calgary says crews are out clearing major roadways and sidewalks after the city experienced extreme snowfall Saturday.
According to its website, the city says crews are plowing lanes and applying anti-icing agents to trouble spots on high volume spots.
Those include bridge decks and priority routes, including Crowchild Trail, Glenmore Trail, and Memorial Drive.
However, the city says it doesn’t anticipate needing a Snow Route Parking Ban.
This comes after Environment and Climate Change (ECCC) issued a snow warning that has since ended, saying parts of Alberta, including Calgary, would see 25 centimetres of snow, while the eastern parts could see up to 35 cm.
Meteorologists with the ECCC say there is a 60 per cent likelihood of flurries Sunday. Temperature is expected to reach a high of -11 C, a low of -15 C, and a wind chill of -22 in the evening, with a 30 per cent chance of flurries.
In the meantime, the city reminds motorists to watch out for changing conditions, including snow-covered roads, ice, and low visibility.
Those walking are also asked to plan in case of “unexpected delays.”
“No matter your mode of travel, prepare for the trip: plan your route, leave plenty of time for travel and ensure you are properly outfitted for the winter weather,” the city said.
Now that snowfall has ended citywide, the city says it activated its snow clock. This means crews will work to complete Calgary’s snow priority list, focusing on high-volume roadways for the first 18 hours after snowfall.
The city says additional crews will focus on some pedestrian infrastructure, overpasses, sidewalks next to city properties, and high-priority bus pads.
The following 18 hours are then spent on high-volume community and transit routes, and roads with more than 5,000 vehicles per day, such as Kensington Road and Acadia Drive. These would be considered priority 2 routes, and include the following:
- Intersections and crosswalks controlled by traffic lights.
- Designated emergency routes (e.g. around hospitals and fire stations).
- Bus routes.
- Roads with on-street bike lanes.
- Trouble spots.
In an update on Sunday, the city reminds property owners and occupants that sidewalks should be cleared of snow and ice per bylaw 20M88. It states sidewalks should be cleared within 24 hours after snowfall ends.
City-owned sidewalks and those next to city-owned property will be cleared by crews within 24 hours, while sidewalks next to homes and businesses are the responsibility of the owners.
When it comes to where to put all that snow, officials recommend piling it on lawns or grassy boulevards wherever possible. However, snow from private property, like a driveway, “is not permitted to be placed on a public space such as a road.”
The city also asks Calgarians to help a neighbour in need shovel their sidewalk.
Calgary Transit snow detours in effect
Calgary Transit says snow detours went into effect on Friday, which are meant to help with clearing places where buses get stuck, while also maintaining coverage and keeping buses moving.
“Calgary Transit takes many factors into account when planning and implementing snow detours, including where and how often buses get stuck, feedback from customers and insights from our staff,” said Jenn Boyer, Transit Relations Specialist with Calgary Transit.
Buses also won’t stop on hills to pick up or drop off customers if it isn’t safe to do so. Calgary Transit says drivers may choose to stop at the top or bottom of the hill to avoid unsafe conditions and further service disruptions.
Crews will also work at clearing CTrain and Max platforms, sidewalks, stairs, bus loops, and parking lots.
The snow detour will stay in place until Monday.
Transit also says some routes may be behind schedule due to the weather conditions on the road, so commuters are being asked to check for any updates online.
The Alberta Motor Association says there is a 28-hour wait time for towing or winching as of 8 a.m. Sunday, a two-hour wait for support regarding a battery boost, lockout, flat tire, fuel delivery, and a six-hour wait for a battery test or replacement.
A map of the city’s snow plow and grading routes can be found here. More information on the city’s snow response can be found online.
