Winter operations are in full swing at the Department of Transportation and Infrastructure, with more than 400 seasonal heavy equipment operators, management and staff hired and recalled for the winter season.
Each year, annual inspections, plow installation and spreader calibrations are carried out by departmental mechanics who prepare the fleet of 534 snow plows and loaders for winter operations. Additionally, winter salt and sand have been procured at a cost of $36.5 million and distributed to all 67 depots across the province.
As of the beginning of December each year, overnight snow clearing occurs on 14 of the most traveled routes in the province, as conditions warrant. In the case of emergencies on the other highways, staff are available to clear routes and escort emergency personnel after hours.
The department looks at detailed forecasts, and if there’s any snow in the forecast, crews are kept on these 14 routes, proactively salting and then plowing once the storm starts.
Last year, Budget 2024 allocated an additional $25 million to procure additional equipment to support road maintenance operations in the province, including loaders and tractor trucks, as well as new medium-duty plow and spreader trucks for local roads. Government also committed an additional $25 million per year over four more 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 64 new tandem-axle plow trucks at a value of $24 million. These trucks are currently being manufactured and will be delivered in the coming months. Each year, the department will order more trucks and equipment as part of this multi-year commitment.
The changeover to the winter season also presents an opportunity to remind the travelling 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 ca or the 511 smartphone app for highway driving conditions and the Provincial Plow Tracker before travelling.
- Check the latest Environment Canada
- Slow down and drive to conditions.
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“This year, like every year, our staff have worked hard to ensure our fleet was ready for the winter season, with a number of our staff already having to face inclement weather in sections of the province. This time of year also presents an opportunity to remind motorists to slow down, drive to conditions and ensure their vehicle is properly equipped for winter driving.”
Honourable Fred Hutton
Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure
Minister of Rural Economic Development
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