The abnormal winter of 2011/12 continues, welcome to week 14 of 20, we are on the downward slope….and can see the light at the end of the tunnel folks!!!;
I would like to provide all with a follow-up to the General Manager of Public Works email to you of late regarding this weather system and our activities to address it.
Our detailed weather forecast states (and radar confirms) that this system has basically concluded. We expect another cm or so later today and perhaps another cm or so tomorrow as a result of lingering flurries. The kicker will be the falling temperatures and the sustained winds (30 to 35km/hr) and wind gusts (45 to 50 km/hr)we are expecting in the wake of the system passing. Temperatures are expected to fall to a low of minus 12 celcius tonight with wind chills in the range of minus 22 celcius. Blowing and drifting will occur and will require our extended attention.
Staff have been out since the storm began and are diligently working to treat all areas.
Below is a brief synopsis of activity and anticipated completion times, (please keep in mind that winds will affect these anticipated end times).ROADS;
We currently have all salter/plow units out on our main arterial roads, collector roads and bus routes. This road network work will be complete by mid afternoon. The operation will shift to the residential roads (curves, stop signs) in order to ensure sufficient traction is present for maneuverability later this evening and overnight, (all hills within residential routes have already been addressed). Again we did not achieve the threshold accumulation depth of 10cm to date to warrant a residential plow-out.
SIDEWALKS, CITY OWNED STEPS AND BUS STOPS, including DOWNTOWN
Sidewalk plowing activity commenced at 5;00am on the high pedestrian traffic arterial, collector and bus routes. That task should be complete by 3:00pm. Bus stops will be cleared simultaneously with the sidewalk operation.
Staff have completed working on the downtown sidewalks and will return to clean up the residual on downtown parking lots. That activity will be completed in the next 3 hours.City wide clearing and sanding of all city owned steps began this morning at 5:00am and should also be completed by 3;00pm today.
FACILITIES;
Winter control activities to all city owned facility parking lots, access roads and entrance ways began overnight and will continue until 5;00pm when all should be completed.
An update to this information will not be provided unless unforeseen circumstances develop.
Trusting you will find this update useful.As always, your patience, co-operation and understanding is very much appreciated. Staff