Monday, Feb. 16, 2015 (Halifax, NS) The Halifax Regional Municipality is advising residents that crews will focus on two priorities during snow removal efforts this week: improving access and mobility for pedestrians and motorists and increasing visibility in areas where snow levels make walking or driving unsafe.
Staff members in Winter Operations have been working with representatives from Halifax Transit, Halifax Regional Fire & Emergency, Halifax Regional Police and EHS to flag streets that are a particular issue for emergency vehicles and buses. Crews will work to widen those streets first, and then focus on other areas where visibility is poor.
Crews will also continue snow removal efforts overnight. That work will include pushing back and cutting down snowbanks, as well as cutting out intersections, cul-de-sacs and bus stops. Work is continuing on Priority 2 streets to ensure they are safe and passable.
The focus today for sidewalks will be punching out holes at intersections and improving mobility for all pedestrians. Residents should understand that crews will not be able to get down to bare pavement today â routes will be passable for pedestrians but just like last week, there will be some issues for people with mobility challenges.
Less traffic on the streets and sidewalks will help crews do their job more quickly and safely; however, we realize people will need to travel on Tuesday. Motorists are advised to leave more time to travel to their destination, adjust their driving for the conditions and keep a careful eye out for pedestrians and cyclists who might be obstructed by high snowbanks. Those out on foot should also keep in mind that motorists will have a hard time stopping or seeing pedestrians in these conditions.
In many places, vehicles left on the street during yesterdayâs storm are preventing crews from clearing the streets properly and have the potential to pose problems for emergency vehicles. The municipality is reminding residents that it is their responsibility to dig out their vehicles and find off-street parking. Vehicles left on the street could be ticketed or towed, under Section 139 of the Motor Vehicle Act, and run the risk of being damaged by snow clearing equipment.
The overnight parking ban will continue to be enforced from 1 a.m. to 6 a.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 17. The municipality truly appreciates your ongoing patience and cooperation to help improve access and visibility for all residents.
Information on service standards is online at http://www.halifax.ca/municipalops/Winter/SnowServiceStandards.php#Priority1 and for updates on snow removal operations, please visit www.halifax.ca/snow.
Source: Release
