With the cooler temperatures that have settled over the region, motorists are reminded to be aware of possible ice and slippery road conditions during frosty mornings and evenings.
According to Mainroad Contracting, shaded areas, bridge decks and corners are common areas where these conditions can occur on roads that may appear clear and dry. If vehicle windows are frosty, the surface of the road may be as well.
Related: Contractors begin winter preparation for mid-Island highways
Mainroad South Island Contracting crews are out patrolling mid-island highways 24/7, as well as applying brine and de-icing salt.
The City of Parksville also monitors road and weather conditions throughout the winter months.
When snow and icy conditions are forecast, city crews and equipment are prepared and when it snows, crews are dispatched to clear roads on a priority basis, according to a press release from the City of Parksville.
The city follows Council Policy No. 8.10 to ensure municipal streets and sidewalks are maintained in a reasonably safe condition while balancing budgetary limitations and available personnel and equipment.
The city’s first priority during and after a snowfall is to clear major arterial streets (such as Island Highway, Alberni Highway) as well as access to emergency services (RCMP, fire hall, ambulance). Clearing collector streets (such as Temple, Pym, Hirst) is the second priority. Once conditions have stabilized on these priority routes, crews begin to clear residential streets.
Priority routes for snow-plowing are arterial roads and highways, followed by collector roads and then local roads.
The city performs other snow-clearing duties such as the Parksville Fire Department access and lot, Parksville Community Centre access and lot, Parksville Civic and Technology Centre access and lot and other city parking lots as required.
According to the city, snow clearing from sidewalks is also the responsibility of the adjacent property owners who are required to ensure snow removed from the sidewalks is not deposited on the adjoining roadway. During periods of heavy snowfall, in areas of heavy pedestrian traffic, adjacent to city-owned property, city crews will support public sidewalk clearing through use of snow blowers and other snow removal equipment only as availability of equipment and personnel allow.
Deb Tardiff, City of Parksville manager of communications, said roads and sidewalks are salted when it is necessary.
She said the boardwalk at the Community Park is a lower priority and will be maintained when “other priorities have been met.”
“I think it’s safe to say [the boardwalk] would not be shovelled on statutory holidays,” Tardiff said.
— NEWS staff
