The City of Moncton is ready for the snow storm arriving Thursday, according to Public Works Director Don Morehouse.
He says they get detailed weather information in advance to assess the timing, amounts, and type of snow as well as existing temperature of the roads.
“So we have our equipment all checked over, the staff are reviewing to make sure everything they need is in place, so the trucks and equipment and plows are ready to go,” says Morehouse. “And once the event starts we’ll mobilize our groups.”
Morehouse says this time they are unable to put a brine solution down to pre soak the street surfaces because it is ineffective at extremely cold temperatures like we’ve had in this cold snap.
“But we do have a lot of residual salt on the roads from previous salting activity,” adds Morehouse. “So you’ll notice right now a lot of the roads are whiteish, that’s basically existing salt that is on the road, so there is almost a brine solution already in place.”
He says the immediate focus is keeping streets clear, but then “sidewalk machines will start out probably working out at sidewalk clearing Friday morning after most of the road clean up has passed through.”
Morehouse says when it comes to shovelling driveways and walkways, make sure “you’re aware that you’re not putting it on the street or where the sidewalk machine would go.”
He adds the public can help them clear snow efficiently and quickly by staying home and not driving if possible, as well as not parking on the streets.
