With winter on it’s way, snow and ice are guaranteed to plague our roads in Airdrie, but the city has a snow removal plan already put into place.

 

Roads team lead Mike Avramenko says the team is prepared to handle the coming snow.

 

“We are geared up for winter operations. We’ve got 24-7 coverage.”

 

This winter is expected to have less snow than normal, and that promises potential savings for the snow removal budget.

 

“What that means is that if we have a lighter now winter, we are probably going to save some money on materials, incidentals like cutting edges, winter salt and sand, (and) fuel,” describes Avramenko. “That’s where we’re going to see our savings.”

 

The snowfall that hit hard earlier in the season, while surprising, did not faze the snow removal team.

 

“We were already prepared. It was just prior to our winter shift start. We had some staff come in early to address that storm. I think the good thing is it did roll away fairly quick and we got some melting temperatures, otherwise it would have been an early start to the winter.”

 

Despite the easy winter we are expected to get, drivers should still be cautious on the roads. Even the slightest bit of ice can send a distracted driver into the ditch. Avramenko suggests drivers follow basic safety precautions.

 

“Obviously, slow down. Drive to the conditions. If you have the opportunity to put some winter (tires) on, that would certainly help you on those roads. And when our plow people are out, and they’ve got the lights on, just stay back that five metres (or) ten metres, give them an opportunity to do their job.”

 

 

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