Winter is coming; expect poor driving conditions

Nov 29, 2017 | 3:12 PM

Much of Prince Albert and area is currently under winter driving conditions, issued by the Ministry of Highways via Highway Hotline.

According to Doug Wakabayashi, from the Ministry of Highways and Infrastructure, the current weather system which has brought warmer temperatures during the day and sub-zero temperatures at night, shouldn’t be too bad.

“One thing motorists should be aware of during the evening hours… there’s a lot of wet pavement in the area right now,” he said. “Once the sun starts to go down, you can get icy patches fairly quickly.”

Wakabayashi said the ice patches could form inconsistently along highways and reminded drivers to check the Highway Hotline before traveling and drive according to weather and road conditions.

Depending on highway conditions and accumulation of snow or precipitation, salt or sanding trucks could be deployed. Wakabayashi said the vehicles using salt can only operate until roughly -25 C before switching to sand to prevent the formation of ice.

Wakabayashi said if the crews use too much salt during periods of melt and snowfall, there is a risk of creating a slush which could in turn create a “blanket of ice” along roadways.

During this time of year, when fall turns into winter, people need to get used to driving in winter conditions and use “good winter driving habits.”

“Things like making sure your cellphone’s fully charged, letting people know when you’re planning to leave, or when you’re planning to arrive. Check the hotline before you travel,” Wakabayashi said. “Be aware of when a weather pattern is moving into an area the conditions can change quite rapidly.”  

Around the region, Highway 2 is listed as ‘winter driving conditions’ until Weyakwin north of Waskesiu, where then ‘seasonal driving conditions’ exist until La Ronge.

Highway 3 west is listed as ‘winter driving conditions’ between Prince Albert and Spiritwood, while to the east ‘winter driving conditions’ extend to the Manitoba border.

 

Bryan.Eneas@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @BryanEneas