‘Drive slow and drive to conditions’: city crews work to clear snow-covered Calgary roads

The city is spending $1 million per week to clear snow off Calgary roads, officials said Monday. The budget is just over $38 million for 2017; it was just over $37 million in 2016.

Because of warm temperatures last winter, the city ended up with a $5-million surplus which it says it could spend this winter if necessary.

Drivers said it’s been a white-knuckle ride to and from work during Monday’s commute.

The city started its seven-day snow and ice control plan on Monday amid an influx of snow.

Global Calgary meteorologist Jordan Witzel said Calgary saw about 5 centimetres of snow fall overnight.

On Monday, crews worked to plow, salt and sand so-called Priority 1 routes (roads with traffic volumes exceeding 20,000 a day) such as Crowchild Trail and Macleod Trail.

Once Priority 1 routes are completed, crews will begin work on plowing, salting and sanding Priority 2 routes (roads which carry 5,000 to 19,999 vehicles a day) like Kensington Road and Acadia Drive.

Unless more snow falls, the city will then turn to clearing Priority 3 and 4 routes, which includes residential areas, school and playground zones.

Anna Melnick with the City of Calgary told Global News it’s not anticipated the City of Calgary will call a snow route parking ban.

“Slow down, give yourself extra time and give yourself extra space,” Melnick advised.

“Calgary is a winter city so snow is not new to Calgarians, but do take the time to plan ahead and drive slow and drive to conditions.”

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Slippery and snow-covered roads were likely a factor in a collision on northbound Deerfoot Trail at around 6 a.m. The two-car crash on the Calf Robe bridge caused major backups for commuters.

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Police said 18 crashes were reported between midnight and 7 a.m., including one with injuries.

“It looks like we are seeing snow all today off and on,” Brittany Kustra with the City of Calgary said. “So hopefully by Tuesday morning we will have done the  high volume roads the priority ones.”

“By 48 hours we will have done the bus routes and connector roads, then we will get into residential. So for the next couple of days just drive to conditions there might be icy spots – give yourself extra time and slow down.”

With files from Gary Bobrovitz and Doug Vaessen