Mainland Lower Mainland Contracting has issued a weather warning for area highways in the next 24 hours.
“In anticipation, Mainroad will be applying anti-icing chemicals on all highways until the event passes, roadways are clear and back to normal,” said operations manager Andries DeWitt.
“Our 24-hour communications and dispatch office will pass on all your observations and concerns to our crews when contacted.”
A dusting of snow has already fallen in Maple Ridge this morning.
More snow is expected until late afternoon, then turn to rain, according to Environment Canada.
Like most cities, Maple Ridge sprays a mixture of water and salt on to the roads if snow is expected. That gives crews at least two to three hours leeway before snow starts to accumulate on the pavement.
Spraying brine is also much cheaper, costing the city about six cents a litre compared to $100 a tonne for road salt. The city prepares its own brine at its public works yard, using a 45-per-cent-salt mixture.
HandyDART is operating essential service in higher elevation areas, including Maple Ridge.
• For more information updates, see http://www.mapleridge.ca/1230.
