Effective today, the Department of Transportation and Infrastructure will officially switch from summer operations to winter operations for the year. Winter readiness involves the process of hiring and recalling more than 400 seasonal heavy equipment operators, management and staff.

Annual inspections, plow installation and spreader calibrations are currently being carried out by departmental mechanics who are preparing the fleet of 463 snow plows and loaders for winter operations. Additionally, winter salt and sand has been procured at a cost of $38 million and distributed to all 67 depots throughout the province.

Budget 2023 allocated an additional $4.25 million to procure more equipment to support road maintenance operations, including loaders and tractor trucks, as well as new medium-duty plow and spreader trucks for local roads. Government has also committed an additional $25 million per year over the next five years for a heavy fleet renewal program, representing the largest ever multi-year investment in new equipment to ensure a safe and reliable road network.

Through a multi-year tender, the department has also ordered 44 new tandem axle plow trucks at a value of $16.6 million. These trucks are currently being manufactured and will be delivered next year. The department will continue to order more trucks and equipment over each year of this multi-year commitment.

The changeover to the winter season also presents an opportunity to remind the motoring public to be winter ready. Motorists should slow down and adjust their driving habits to be prepared for changes in weather, icy patches, slushy sections, snow covered sections and poor visibility. It is recommended that motorists should:

• Check nl511.ca or the 511 smartphone app for highway driving conditions and the Provincial Plow Tracker before travelling;
• Check the latest Environment Canada forecasts; and
• Slow down and drive to conditions.

Quote
“As the colder inclement weather approaches, our staff have been working hard to ensure our fleet is ready for the winter season ahead. While we improve services for the safety of all highway travelers in our province, I also want to remind motorists the best way to ensure safety is to slow down, drive to conditions and ensure your vehicle is properly equipped for winter driving.”
Honourable John G. Abbott
Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure

-30-