NL is ready for the snow with more than 400 seasonal staff and operators recalled for winter

Each year, annual inspections, plow installation and spreader calibrations are carried out by departmental mechanics who prepare the fleet of 534 snow plows and loaders for operations.

Winter operations are in full swing at the Department of Transportation and Infrastructure, with more than 400 seasonal heavy equipment operators, management and staff hired and recalled for the winter season. Each year, annual inspections, plow installation and spreader calibrations are carried out by departmental mechanics who prepare the fleet of 534 snow plows and loaders for operations. Winter salt and sand have been bought at a cost of $36.5 million and distributed to all 67 depots across the province. Since the start of the month, overnight snow clearing takes place on 14 of the most traveled routes. The department looks at detailed forecasts, and if there’s any snow in the forecast, crews are kept on these 14 routes, proactively salting and then plowing once the storm starts. In the case of emergencies on the other highways, staff are available to clear routes and escort emergency personnel after hours.  Through a multi-year tender, the department has also ordered 64 new tandem-axle plow trucks at a value of $24 million. These trucks are currently being manufactured and will be delivered in the coming months.

It is recommended that motorists should: 

• Check nl511.ca or the 511 smartphone app for highway driving conditions and the Provincial Plow Tracker before travelling.
• Check the latest Environment Canada forecasts. 
• Slow down and drive to conditions.