Cold Temperatures Hamper Storm Clean-up

The Department of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal continues to advise motorists to take extra precautions today, Feb. 12, and into Monday, Feb. 13, due to sections of ice and snow on a number of highways across the province.

Temperatures are predicted to drop to between -15 and -18 C in many areas of the province tonight and into Monday. This will make road salt ineffective until temperatures rise again. Road salt does not work at temperatures below -10 C.

Counties affected most by these conditions will be Cumberland, Colchester, and Pictou counties, although areas of the South Shore, Valley, and western Cape Breton will have similar conditions, especially on secondary roads.

"Department crews have been out in full force and working hard since the beginning of the storm Saturday and early morning Sunday, plowing and salting to clear the ice and snow as quickly as possible from the main provincial highways," said Bruce Fitzner, chief engineer of highway programs. "Crews will change over to sanding highways when the temperature drops below -10 C. They will work around the clock until good driving conditions are restored."

Motorists are advised to allow extra time for travel on Monday and to use caution.

Drivers should listen to local weather reports, call 511 or check the Department of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal highway cameras at www.gov.ns.ca/tran/cameras before heading out for an update on conditions.