'Let them do their job': City asks for patience after snow cakes roads in Saskatoon

Saskatoon had to dig out Friday after a morning dumping of snow.
 
While initial forecasts had the Alberta clipper skirting the Bridge City, a snowfall warning was issued around 7 a.m. after the snow intensified.
 
By the time the skies cleared, the city was waking up to at least 10 centimetres on the ground.
 
City crews began clearing the snow at 3 a.m., but many major roadways were still snow-covered by 11 a.m.
 
“We’re doing the best we can with what we have,” said Roadways Manager Eric Quail. “But it takes time.”
 
He asked drivers to be patient with crews and make sure the roads stay safe throughout the day.
 
“Please give the equipment the respect to complete their job by not passing them,” he said. “Let them do their job to make the roads safe for other users.”
 
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Six tandem sanders, six graders and seven speed plows were activated in the early morning to help clear priority one streets. Circle Drive was considered top priority due to its danger level, with 22nd Street, Idylwyld Drive and 8th Street next on the list.
 
The city also brought in private contractors to help clear roads with an additional 16 graders. Others were assigned to clear bus stops, sidewalks and bike lanes.
 
Quail expects most of the city’s roads to be clear within three days.
 
“The first 72 hours we’re just trying to keep traffic moving,” he said.
 
After that, crews will focus on cleaning up the snow mounds left over and transporting it all to the city’s snow storage facilities.
 
School zones are expected to be cleared in time for the return to classrooms on Jan. 4.