Highway Workers Out and About

After freezing rain and snow did a number on local roads and highways this week, we aren't expecting more snow today.

Icy conditions caused the Ministry of Highways and Infrastructure to not recommend travel on Highway 1 between Moose Jaw and Rush Lake throughout the afternoon and evening.

We've had a lot more winter weather to deal with so far this year.

Full Interview with Kirsten Letherdale"This time last year in October and November we had used 79 tonnes of salt, this year we have used 329 tonnes of salt, so that one instance right there really shows how busy we have been," said Ministry Spokesperson Kirsten Leatherdale. "We typically deal with freezing rain by putting down salt or a liquid de-icier prior to the rain because while the rain is falling it can dilute it. Shortly after that is started to snow so our crews were out plowing and putting down salt and sand late into the night and they haven't stopped."

Leatherdale noted the area of highway surrounding Swift Current is supported by six plows and a grather.

She notes their priorities are highways 1, 4 and the first few kilometers of highway 32.

Their goal is to get those highways cleared within six hours of the end of a storm.