Winter Operations

Sturgeon County crews continuously monitor, maintain, and clear the roads all winter long.

To prepare for major storms or a snow event with more than 10 cm (4 inches) of snow on the ground, we have service goals and a priority sequence for clearing County roads.

Provincial Highway Concerns

The Government of Alberta is responsible for maintaining all provincial highways. Visit the Alberta Transportation website for more information.

For information or to share a concern, contact 780-963-5711 or 1-800-390-2242.

Snow plow clearing snow from roadway

Plowing Priorities

Snow events are declared when snowfall accumulation meets or exceeds 10 centimetres (4 inches). After the snowfall ends, crews begin clearing the snow and ice from the roads.

Roads are plowed in priority sequence, as detailed in the Snow and Ice Control Policy:

  • Priority 1: paved and oiled access roads (arterials, collectors) that have high traffic volumes.
  • Priority 2: other paved and oiled roads within subdivisions (local roads).
  • Priority 3: gravel roads (collectors, local roads) and subdivisions.

Service Goals

Our goal is to complete snow and ice control on Priority 1 roads within 24 hours, and Priority 2 and 3 roads within 72 hours after a snow event ends.

Transportation crews typically work weekdays from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. plowing, sanding, and clearing snow. However, after a significant snowfall of more than 10 cm, our plow operators will increase their hours and work seven days a week to meet this goal.

YouTube video

Clearing Your Driveway

When you are clearing snow from your driveway, be sure to push it off to the right side. This way, when the snowplows and graders come by, they do not push it back onto your driveway. Also, you should never push the snow across the road into the ditches. Crossing into oncoming traffic is dangerous, and the chunks of snow and ice left behind on the road can create a hazard for other drivers.

Remember, obstructing the road in any way, even with pieces of snow and ice, is an offence under the Traffic Bylaw and carries a fine of $500.00.

A windrow or snow ridge is a pile of snow left at the side of the road after plowing. Crews try to minimize the size of the windrows, but they are not able to circle back with the large equipment to clear windrows away from individual driveways. We ask residents to clear their own approaches.

Residents also have the option of hiring a private contractor to clear windrows from the road in front of their house.

Private Driveway Grading Service

Sturgeon County offers plowing and/or grading of private driveways at a full cost recovery. The private driveway grading service is available during winter months after all County roads are open. Download the Snowplow and Grading Agreement, fill it out and return it to Transportation & Engineering Services, or call us at (780) 939-8252.

Using Salt and Sand

The ice control or traction product a snowplow operator uses depends on the temperature. Below -10 C, salt is not very effective. Instead, we apply a brine mixture as a de-icing agent and use sand for traction at many intersections.

Ice control measures, like salt, sand, and brine, are applied on an ongoing basis during snowfalls, frost, or freezing rain to improve traction for motorists.

Report a Road Concern

Our crews are working to maintain and improve County roads, but we rely on residents to let us know about road issues. Report a road concern right from your phone!

Graphic with text reading: Report a Road Concern

Winter Driving Safety

Winter is here and we need to adjust our driving habits for the changing road and weather conditions. While County crews are out plowing, grading, and sanding the roads, please be patient and allow our crews plenty of space to work.

What can you do to help keep operators and other drivers safe?

SLOW DOWN.

  • Watch for equipment turning.
  • Flashing amber and red means snowplow ahead.
  • Leave 15 metres between your vehicle and any equipment.
  • Do not pass a snowplow. Operators will pull over when it is safe to allow vehicles to pass.

Plan your route and check for road closures or delays. Find up-to-date, province-wide information at 511 Alberta.

Follow these winter driving tips from Alberta Transportation.

Consider enrolling new drivers in Winter Driving School to help them stay safe on icy and snow-covered roads.

Sturgeon County would like to wish you a happy St. Patrick's Day! 

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