It probably feels a lot like Groundhog Day for road crews in Prince George as they’ve been working around the clock to clear all major roads in our city.
They are throwing everything including the kitchen sink at Old Man Winter.
“We’ve had eight plow trucks, 11 graders, 22 loaders, one loader plow, three sidewalk machines, 15 snow hauling trucks and we even threw in a snowblower in there for good measure, all working together twenty-four seven clearing snow,” says Michael Kellett, City of Prince George Spokesperson.
Eight plow trucks, 11 graders, 22 loaders, one loader-plow, three sidewalk machines, 15 snow-hauling trucks, & a snow blower. That’s the total number of contracted & City equipment working together 24/7 to clear routes since the recent storm. Learn more: https://t.co/OshOpNVslW pic.twitter.com/1UdfCeHGfe
— Prince George, BC (@CityofPG) February 8, 2018
Kellett adds at no point did the city even consider a city-wide shut-down.
“That was never a thought of the city’s, our main concern at this point, is to make sure all priority routes are in a passable condition so residents can go about their business as best as possible.”
Civic workers also appreciate the public’s understanding, during this difficult time.
“We appreciate the patience of motorists and residence as work and get all of those routes done and then get to the priority three routes, which include the residential roads,” states Kellett.
“What we’re really encouraging people to do is to follow our winter snow and ice parking restrictions and that means if you can avoid parking on the street, particularly downtown between midnight and 7 AM because that can really slow down snow and ice control operations for the ploughs and if they have to plough around cars, it creates dangerous driving conditions for other drivers.”
According to Prince George’s snow removal bylaw, crews now have 48 hours to get all the priority one and two routes completed and then 72 hours within the completion of that to clear up the residential areas.
Road crews should have no shortage of room to operate to today, with fewer vehicles on the road.
Parking Restrictions
- Motorists are also reminded that parking restrictions are in effect from October 15 to April 15 each year to help with snow operations:
- On-street parking is prohibited from midnight to 7:00 AM downtown.
- On-street parking is prohibited from 10:00 PM to 7:00 AM on Priority One roads and hills, the Hospital District, and a number of other designated roads.
- On-street parking is prohibited from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM in residential areas. Parking on the side of the street with odd house numbers is permitted from 6:00 PM to 8:00 AM unless otherwise posted.
Illegally parked vehicles are subject to a $50 ticket per offense and/or may be towed.