Friday, December 17, 2021 – ‘Tis the season of cool temperatures and a possibility of ice and snow on the roads. Road contractors make use of specific weather technology to monitor when cold weather is coming and prepare appropriately.
What happens when cold weather is forecasted?
Crews work around the clock pre-treating our roads with an anti-icing brine to reduce potentially hazardous conditions. The anti-icing brine can stay on the road for several days helping to reduce the bonding of snow and from ice freezing to the pavement providing a safer driving road surface.
Which roads are cleared of snow first?
When a lot of snowfall is likely, the contractors commit to ensuring priority (high volume) routes are safe and passable.
Victoria Contracting clears roadways in a prioritized sequence, beginning with critical routes such as:
- bus routes
- critical intersections
- school zones (when in session)
Local roads may be plowed to accommodate single-lane traffic only during the first pass of the plow. This is a temporary measure, and the roads will be revisited and cleared more substantially once every local road has been plowed once.
Brine is to be applied in advance of and during a forecasted weather event to minimize the development of slippery surface conditions on roadways and to facilitate the removal of snow, compact snow and ice, as appropriate for the location. However, the roads will likely still be slippery. Please use extreme caution.
If you have a specific concern, such as black ice on a steep hill or a sharp curve, please contact the District of Sooke during office hours (8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday-Friday) by phone at 250.642.1634. After office hours, contact Victoria Contracting at 250.474.2688.
Sidewalks
Residents and business owners are responsible for clearing snow and ice from sidewalks that border their property. Please be a good neighbour and help to keep Sooke safe by keeping walkways clear.
How else you can help when we experience snow
- Please do not drive if your vehicle is not equipped for winter driving.
- When clearing driveways, help snowplow crews out by not shovelling snow towards the road. As they navigate clearing, they are constantly adjusting the plow so as to minimize pushing snow into driveways and getting salt on cars. Let’s do our best to work together.
- Remove obstruction from the right of way that might impede snow clearing.
- Clear your catch basins as the snow melts.
- Check-in on your neighbours. In extreme weather conditions, it takes the entire community to ensure our well-being and safety.
Residents are reminded to refer to drivebc.ca for current conditions on Highway 14.
Stay safe, Sooke.
Contacts:
Monday-Friday, 8:30am-4:30pm
District of Sooke Municipal Hall
250.642.1634
After Hours
Victoria Contracting
250.474.2688
Please note the District of Sooke Municipal Hall will be closed from December 27, 2021 to January 3, 2022. Essential services remain in operation during the office closure, learn more >>