Why are snow removal crews working when it is not snowing?
Snow removal involves much more than simply plowing roads when there is a storm. Crews must also remove the snow so that it does not impede with regular traffic, transit, pedestrian and cycling access. Removal or reduction of snow banks is carried out when snow banks restrict sightlines, travel widths, pedestrian and cycling traffic or to relieve trapped water on the roadway or sidewalk and to create storage space for future snowfall. Snow banks restricting sightlines (i.e. safety hazard) at intersections and at pedestrian, school and railway crossings are removed within 24 hours after being made aware of the conditions. In the event that the number of locations exceeds available resources, the locations will be addressed on a priority basis subject to the extent of the hazard.
