It is early spring and Prince George residents are eager to see the end of the snow and ice season. City of Prince George road crews are working to make the transition on the roads from winter to springtime as smooth as possible for drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians, despite the recent cold weather and accompanying freeze-thaw cycle, which has delayed the ability for crews to start some springtime road operations by about two weeks.
Recently, residents may have noticed the city removing some street-side snow piles and gutter ice. In order for road sweeping operations to begin in full, the large street-side snow piles and gutter ice that have accumulated throughout the winter must be reduced enough to assist natural melt rates, support sweeping and pothole patching operations, and reduce the chance of localized flooding.
In addition to dealing with snow, ice, and meltwater crews have already patched more than 500 potholes so far this year, and continue to respond to resident requests for snow removal, blocked catch basins, and the removal of sections of thick, rutted ice on roadways. In fact, crews responded to nearly 500 requests from residents for snow and ice removal during the month of March alone.
Operations currently underway include:
- Road widening, ditch maintenance, and exposing drainage catch basins in curb and gutter areas to accommodate upcoming snowmelt.
- Removing excess snow from areas prone to localized flooding and puddles.
- Exposing and removing snow and ice from curb and gutter areas to expedite sweeping operations.
- Gravel road grading.
- Vegetation control (trimming trees and bushes back from road right-of-ways).
These late winter and early spring operations have several benefits for residents:
- Road line and pedestrian marker painting can occur earlier in the year.
- Sweeping operations remove dust as well as sand and gravel, thus improving air quality.
- Reducing the likelihood of municipal road, laneway, and private property flooding.
Reminder: the City’s wintertime parking restrictions remain in effect until April 15. For further information about City snow and ice control operations, please visit www.princegeorge.ca/snow.