Regina treating winter storm like any other; some highways reopening

Regina’s snowplows are once again in winter storm mode as they deal with one last blizzard.

Crews will be working 24/7 in order to make sure the roads are safe. Those operations will include clearing snow and sanding.

The blizzard that started in the Queen City early Wednesday morning is slated to bring with it 10 to 20 centimetres of snow.

Earlier this week, the city began street sweeping operations before the winter storm hit. Tyler Bien, who’s in charge of the city’s snowplows, said none of them were taken out of service as street-cleaning efforts began.

“We always try and stay prepared for these late-spring snowstorms,” he said Wednesday. “We haven’t really started transitioning any of our equipment. We hold them back just in case something like this happens, because usually it does happen. We stay ready and available for whatever needs.”

Bien couldn’t give a specific number on how many snowplows and graders will be out on the road, but he did say everything the city has will be out.

He had a simple message for those heading out on the roads Wednesday and Thursday.

“Take your time. Be patient and plan your route. With the wind, the visibility is low and there may be some buildup of snow there, so try and take the major routes,” Bien said. “If you come across any snow-clearing or sanding equipment, give them space. They’re trying to make the roads safe for everyone.”

Snowfall and winter storm warnings that initially were issued Tuesday for areas of southern Saskatchewan were still in place Wednesday afternoon. They’re expected to remain in place into Thursday.

According to the Regina Police Service, officers responded to 12 separate collisions on Wednesday.

“While we can’t attribute all of these to the weather, it is becoming extremely icy so we are asking drivers to stay home if they can and if they must venture out, to slow down and give themselves extra time,” a police spokesperson said in an emailed statement.

“This includes (Thursday) morning’s commute as well.”

Highway updates

Some of the highways in southern Saskatchewan that were closed Wednesday morning reopened as the day progressed, but the Highway Hotline said travel still wasn’t recommended on them.

As of 5 p.m., some highways remained closed, including No. 6 from the intersection with No. 306 to south of Milestone, No. 9 from Oxbow to the U.S. border, No. 13 from Trossachs to Weyburn, No. 18 from Bienfait to Oxbow, No. 33 from Regina to Stoughton, No. 35 from Weyburn to the U.S. border and from Cedoux to Odessa, No. 39 from Moose Jaw to Yellow Grass, and No. 48 from Emerald Park to Peebles.

Travel still wasn’t recommended on other highways around the south, including the Regina Bypass, the Trans-Canada from Chaplin through Regina to Wolseley, Highway 8 from Moosomin to the border with the U.S., Highway 13 from Weyburn to the Manitoba border, Highway 39 from Weyburn to Estevan, and Highway 47 from the Trans-Canada south into the States.

More information on road conditions can be found on the Highway Hotline web page.