The first snowfall of the season in central and southern Alberta caused hazardous road conditions and multiple accidents on Monday.
The morning commute in Edmonton was slow and slippery, with 193 collisions reported in the city between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Of these collisions, 27 involved injuries, according to Stephanie Greening with Accident Support Services International.
Valerie Dacyk, general supervisor for the city’s field operations, stated that crews had been working overnight and were prepared for the snow since Sunday evening. She mentioned that between 60 to 70 trucks were on the roads throughout the day.
Winter Equipment Preparation
Dacyk explained the process of transitioning equipment and vehicles from summer to winter conditions. She highlighted the need to convert trucks from summer haulers to winter snow and ice plow/sanders. Additionally, the department ensured that there were enough materials on site to stock the sanders and provide traction on the roads.
Focused Efforts and Priorities
This year, the city of Edmonton is focusing on areas deemed “higher priority” by the council and aligning staffing accordingly. More details regarding these priorities will be released on Friday.
Poor Road Conditions and Collisions
Leduc RCMP reported “poor” road conditions on the QEII and surrounding roadways in the afternoon, with numerous collisions occurring. Innisfail RCMP warned of “extremely poor” road conditions on the QEII Highway, particularly between Carstairs and Olds, where they reported around 12 collisions. Drivers were advised to exercise caution or consider avoiding travel in these areas.
Weather Warnings and Snowfall
Environment Canada issued special weather statements and snowfall warnings for central and southern Alberta. In the Edmonton area, a total of 2-5 centimeters of snow was expected by Monday evening. The weather agency urged drivers to prepare for changing and deteriorating travel conditions.
Collision Reporting Centres
Collision reporting centres in Edmonton, operated by a partnership between Edmonton police and Accident Support Services International (ASSI), were open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Drivers were encouraged to check the projected wait times at these centres online. The north site is located at 15750 116 Avenue NW, while the south site is at 5805 87A Street NW.
Overall, the first snowfall of the season in central and southern Alberta caused challenging driving conditions, numerous collisions, and a need for extended precautions by motorists.
Disclaimer: This article is based on information from Global News, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.