A city spokesperson says local roadways have to cleared by snowplows before sand can be applied and reminds motorists to drive according to conditions.
A total of 36 street plow operators work day and night to keep the streets of Sault Ste. Marie clear and safe during the winter months.
Despite working around the clock, some collisions occurred due to slick conditions caused during the most recent winter weather event.
There isn’t currently a supply issue with sand for treating the roadways in the city, said Tessa Vecchio, corporate communications officer with the city of Sault Ste. Marie.
“Public Works priority is to clear the roadways,” said Vecchio. “Before sanding begins the roadways need to be plowed. During the latest winter event, the team was also dealing with extreme cold temperatures.”
Highways and main roads are prioritized, with a total of 1,225 lane kilometres of roadway and 210 kilometres of sidewalk to clear across the city
A recent accumulation of new snow mixed with cold temperatures created the perfect conditions for slick packed snow that has been keeping emergency services busy for days.
Yesterday, traffic sgt. Ray Magnan with the Sault Ste. Marie Police Service told SooToday there were a number of collisions caused over Sunday and Monday by slick conditions and low visibility due to blowing snow.
“The combination of a large amount of snow and the minus 20 cold out there produces that packed, very slick snow," said Magnan. “The packed snow is pretty slick."
“We have had a couple of accidents in regards to slippery conditions at the intersections that are glazed over and cars are sliding," he added.
One challenge, said Vecchio, is that sanding must be done after the roadways are plowed.
“As snow was continuous and accumulating throughout the day yesterday and Sunday night sanders were out sanding as quickly as they could behind plows,” said Vecchio. “With the volume of snow, this meant repeat sanding at intersections. The extreme cold just added to the challenge.”
“We remind motorists to drive according to the conditions and to give snowplow operators room to clear routes safely and efficiently,” she added.
Magnan recommends drivers take their time and drive defensively.
“The visibility is better right now, but give yourself more time and use more caution," he said.