City Plows and Salters Respond to Changing Weather Conditions

Following one of the greenest winters in Windsor’s history, the City’s salters and plows are out in full force dealing with slippery and messy road conditions.

City crews have been out since early this morning, salting main routes.  Plows are also on the roads dealing with the mix of slush and ice.  It is anticipated the snow will turn to rain this afternoon.  Crews will continue to respond as needed based on the weather conditions.

Drivers are reminded, when driving in snowy and icy conditions, to “stay alert, slow down and stay in control.”  By leaving plenty of time to reach your destination, your chances of getting there safely are greatly improved.

UPDATE – With Environment Canada calling for 4-8 centimetres of snow to fall overnight, the City of Windsor wants to ensure you know the plan for road clearing.

Salting of the main routes began early this morning and will continue as long as icy conditions exist.  Plowing will begin once the snow begins to fall and accumulate.  An average route takes from 3 to 6 hours to complete once the snow has stopped falling.  Once the main roads are clear and only if more than 10 centimetres has fallen, the trucks will be redeployed onto residential streets.

Motorists are asked to be patient when travelling behind a plow and give operators plenty of room.  Plows typically operate at 40 kilometres per hour.  Following too close to a snowplow can lead to poor visibility and vehicles risk being hit by thrown snow or rocks.

Residents are reminded that clearing of sidewalks abutting their property is their responsibility. As well, under the Highway Traffic Act and City of Windsor By-laws residents are prohibited from shovelling snow back onto the street while clearing sidewalks and driveways, as this creates unsafe road conditions for motorists.  All sidewalks are to be cleared 4 hours after the snow fall and ice formation for commercial property owners and 12 hours for residential property owners.

Finally, when driving in snowy and icy conditions, drivers are asked to “stay alert, slow down and stay in control.”  By leaving plenty of time to reach your destination, your chances of getting there safely are greatly improved.

For more information, please visit the city website for more general information on snow clearing.