According to a report in the Regina Leader Post in January, "This winter has been particularly pricey for the province, with $5.5 million more than usual being spent on snow and ice control of Saskatchewan roads. For the past five years, the amount spent between April and December has averaged out to $14 million, but that's up to $19.5 million so far - and it seems Old Man Winter is still quite happily camped out in the province."
Ministry of Highway crews have been treating winter conditions since the arrival of winter in our area Oct. 20. Salt and sand have been utilized non-stop throughout the winter to treat the prevalence of ice brought on by more than usual occurrences of freezing rain, packed snow, pavement frost or warmer temperatures and winds causing drifting and sticking snow that results in icy buildup as well. These conditions are the antagonists of road crews as they are difficult to stay on top of.
"What we spend each year is driven by two factors - the number of weather events we get and the type of weather events we get," explained Ministry of Highways and Infrastructure spokesman Doug Wakabayashi. "This winter so far, we have seen both a large number of weather events and the weather events we have had, have been the kind that cause a lot of ice."
During the week of Jan. 20, the ministry plowed through 600 tons of salt in the Regina area alone, which was "quite a bit" in the scheme of things, according to Wakabayashi.
Comparison numbers for the Unity section are: 2012 - 413 tonnes as of mid-February, 2011 - 310 tonnes, 2010 - 525 tonnes, 2009 - 391 tonnes.
"The more ice we get the more money we have to spend," he said, "and it's a safety issue so the ministry is on top of having these conditions treated as soon as they occur. Staff are working many extended hours to ensure the roads in their areas are being kept as clear as possible.
"Knowing in this province there's always the potential for snowstorms even into May, but certainly we'll be prepared if that happens," Wakabayashi said.
Residents relish the warmer temperatures however they are an enemy for road crews as they make road conditions challenging to stay on top of and tricky with rapid changes.
Unity section crews have resorted to trying the "ridging" process in several areas to try and prevent the drifting snow that regularly seems to plague the roads they are in care of. However, there hasn't been much spare time in a day to dedicate to this helpful procedure as crews are often out treating existing conditions.
Last winter undoubtedly spoiled travellers as there were rarely roads in less than summer condition to travel on; however, this year has presented many more weather conditions. Motorists must realize crews do not control the winds, the temperatures or the conditions and they are doing their very best in treating the conditions presented as quickly as possible.
Travel not recommended advisories have been put in place for the safety of the public and it is important people check the highways hotline before heading out on Saskatchewan highways.
