January 12, 2023
While Edmonton has not seen a lot of new snow, the City has been actively working to remove windrows on main roads where necessary. Residential road conditions have deteriorated given the milder weather conditions.
“With favourable weather and minimal snow our crews continue their work maintaining the roads for Edmontonians so everyone can safely move across the City and enjoy these warmer temperatures,” said Valerie Dacyk, General Supervisor, Infrastructure Field Operations. “Crews are focusing on windrows and any snow build-up on main roads.”
Windrows
The City is actively clearing windrows where required from arterial and collector roads. This includes main roads within Business Improvement Areas (BIAs), as well as at bus routes, when excessive snow volumes make it necessary.
Work is done proactively and inspectors monitor windrows on Priority 1-3 roads to determine any safety concerns. This includes removing centre-stacked windrows within Business Improvement Areas. In Priority 4 areas (residential), the City clears accesses like driveways and curb cuts where the windrow is greater than 30cm.
“When windrow clearing is needed in a specific area, we may put up temporary signage to restrict parking. We ask that residents ensure cars are moved so we can clear the snow efficiently,” said Dacyk.
School Zones
Crews will soon be taking advantage of the warmer weather to address windrow buildup in school zones. Work is scheduled to begin January 15th and will take place overnight for safety reasons.
Residential Roads
“We know that residential road conditions have deteriorated, and we are planning to initiate residential grooming within the next few weeks,” said Dacyk. “Crews are waiting until the temperature drops slightly and then will proceed with grooming on residential roadways and alleyways to smooth out the surfaces and remove any major ruts. If we send out crews now, we’ll create bigger ruts or big windrows, and we’ve heard from residents that they did not want big windrows in their neighbourhoods.”
Residents are encouraged to sign up for parking ban notifications at
edmonton.ca/SafeTravels to receive advance notice of a ban.
Motorists are reminded to drive to conditions and maintain a safe stopping distance. Cyclists, pedestrians and motorists should take extra care and watch out for one another.
