City of Lethbridge crews are working to keep roads clear in the wake of the November 2, 2022, snow storm. (Image: City of Lethbridge)

By Jerran Fisher

City of Lethbridge ready to tackle winter roads

Nov 2, 2022 | 3:19 PM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – Winter has arrived in Southern Alberta, bringing flurries, chills and dangerous road conditions.

Darwin Juell, Lethbridge Transportation Manager said the City of Lethbridge is ready for the season during a news conference following the heavy snowfall on November 2, 2022.

“We’re [the City of Lethbridge] already in winter shift mode, meaning we’ve got about 24 people that are operators that are broken up into two shifts.” Juell says. “We’re working 16 hours a day normal operations; and when there is a snowfall like this, we’re working 24 hours a day with the same crews.”

Lethbridge uses a combination of sanders and snow plows in order to keep roads and sidewalks clear.

Juell says drivers should not try to pass snow plows when they are working side by side.

Week-in-review: Federal Budget, water agreements and success for tourism industry

Apr 20, 2024

What's Happening in Lethbridge this weekend: April 19, 2024

Apr 19, 2024

What's Happening in Lethbridge this week: April 15, 2024

Apr 15, 2024

“Usually when we’re doing arterial roads, we’re gang plowing, which is multiple trucks going side by side within a few metres apart,” Juell says. “Do not try to pass the snow plow trucks, be patient, it will be a much better surface after the plow truck.”

He says he always wants to remind drivers to change to their winter tires, increase their stopping distance, slow down, and be prepared for unusual driving conditions.

“It’s winter driving conditions, drive accordingly.”

The speed limit has decreased to 60 km/h on Whoop-Up Drive and phase one of snow routes have been activated as of 12:00 p.m. on November 2, 2022.

You can see which roads are affected in phase one from the City of Lethbridge’s interactive map, or on roads with blue snowflake signs.

by Jerran Fisher