According to a snow and ice clearing update from the city, about 20 centimeters of snow had fallen as of 3 p.m., and another three centimeters were expected throughout the afternoon and evening Wednesday.
The city is working to clear major roads that average 20,000 or more vehicles a day.
“Crews have been working on priority routes, plowing snow and placing equipment where needed since the snow began,” a press release said.
“They will continue this work tonight and tomorrow.”
Pedestrians, cyclists and motorists are advised to exercise caution when travelling, as roads and cycle paths may be snow-covered and slippery.
Calgary police say 105 crashes were reported between 5 p.m. Tuesday and 5 a.m. Wednesday, including 13 involving injuries and nine hit-and-runs.
As of Wednesday at 3 p.m., Calgary remained under a snowfall warning. In it, Environment and Climate Change Canada warned that snow and falling snow could reduce visibility and contribute to transportation delays.
City of Calgary officials say they don’t expect to issue a snow parking ban.
Once the snow stops falling Wednesday night, crews will begin the city’s seven-day snow-clearing plan.
HOW CALGARY HANDLES SNOWY ROADS#
A snow-covered Home Road in northwest Calgary is seen in this December 2020 file photo.(file)The City of Calgary follows a seven-day snow clearing plan, which kicks in once the snow stops.
First, crews are following Priority 1 routes, which include roads with more than 20,000 vehicles per day, as well as downtown bike lanes. Deerfoot Trail and Stoney Trail are maintained by the provincial government.
Crews then focus on Priority 2 routes – roads that carry 5,000 to 19,999 vehicles per day – such as Kensington Road and Acadia Drive, as well as designated emergency routes around hospitals and fire stations, bus routes and roads with bike lanes in road.
After that, crews turn to clearing Priority 3 through Priority 4 routes, which include residential areas and school and playground zones.
The city’s annual budget for snow and ice removal is $40.7 million.
SNOW TRACK PARKING PROHIBITIONS#
The City of Calgary may declare a parking ban on ski runs to help road crews clear the roads of snow.
Parking bans go into effect when Calgary experiences significant snow accumulation.
After the call, the parking ban on ski runs can be in effect for up to 72 hours.
Snow routes are indicated by blue signs with a white snowflake symbol.
Any vehicles left on snow routes during the ban may be serviced or towed, but street accessible parking is excluded.
