PG snow clearing operations likely to have a full plate this weekend

A busy few days await snow removal crews in Prince George.

The snowfall warning is extending into Saturday with another 15 to 25 centimetres still possible for the northern capital.

Roads and Fleet Manager, Jordan Wiseman told MyPGNow.com it will be all hands on deck.

“It will be a full compliment of city crews as well as contractors starting early tonight (Friday). We will be working on priority ones and two’s around town and that trend will continue throughout the weekend before the weather warms up.”

“Those will consist of eight to ten graders as well as two wheel loaders each. We will have three to four sidewalk machines out and about on the pedestrian network as well as eight plow trucks rolling various areas around town including rural residential.”

With temperatures warming to plus five with some rain by Monday, Wiseman noted the balmy conditions will make it harder to clear off the snow and create potential water-pooling.

“The snow gets heavier, it compacts and it is harder to peel off the asphalt. It slows crews down considerably and it does cause some flooding issues on our streets.”

In addition, parking restrictions are in place from October 15 to April 15 of each year to help with snow and ice control operations:

• Priority Ones and the Hospital District – On-street parking is prohibited from 10 p.m. to 7 a.m.
• Downtown – On-street parking is prohibited from 12 a.m. to 7 a.m.
• Residential areas – On-street parking is prohibited from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Parking on the side of the street with odd house numbers is permitted from 6 p.m. to 8 a.m. unless otherwise posted.

Illegally parked vehicles are subject to a $50 ticket per offence and/or may be towed.

When at least 7.5 centimetres of snow falls over a span of 24 hours we get what the City calls a “snow event”. If a snow event happens, we mobilize our fleet (plus any contracted equipment) for action once the snow finally stops.

• Priority 1 (red) and Priority 2 (green) routes are cleared within 48 hours after snowfall ends if at least 7.5 centimetres of accumulates over 24 hours.
• Priority 3 (grey) routes are cleared within 72 hours after Priority 1 (red) and Priority 2 (green) routes are finished.