Lethbridge Residents Urged to Adapt Driving Habits Amidst Winter Weather

As temperatures drop and snow blankets the city, Lethbridge residents are reminded to adjust their driving habits to navigate winter conditions safely.

 

The City of Lethbridge's Transportation Operations team is actively plowing and sanding roads based on a priority system to keep traffic moving smoothly. Crews are also addressing snow drifts, icy intersections, and other hazards as needed, depending on staff and equipment availability.

 

Juliane Ruck, Transportation Operations Manager, emphasizes the city's preparedness: "Our crews and equipment are ready to tackle winter weather with plowing, sanding, and de-icing." She advises residents to winterize their vehicles, allocate extra time for commutes, and stay informed about snow route parking restrictions.

 

Currently, snow routes are not active. However, the city will declare and activate them in response to significant snow accumulation. The snow route system operates in three stages:

 

Declared: Residents have 24 hours to move parked vehicles off the street; no plowing occurs during this period.

 

Active: Parking is prohibited on snow routes; plows will clear snow to the right, and parked vehicles may be plowed in or ticketed.

 

Deactivated: On-street parking on snow routes can resume.

 

When a snow route is declared, residents should note:

 

Snow routes can become active anytime during the season when snow creates unsafe driving conditions, as determined by City Transportation Operations.

 

Snow routes are identified with a blue snowflake tab above parking signs. Residents should check for these signs and be aware of the snow route status before parking on the street.

 

During active snow routes, temporary on-street parking restrictions apply. Residents and visitors must move all vehicles and find alternative parking.

 

This year, the Windrow Assistance Service is being piloted for a second year to help residents along snow routes who struggle to manage the windrow.

 

To stay informed during snowfall events:

 

Download the Lethbridge Loop app to receive notifications when snow routes are declared, active, or deactivated.

 

Follow the live snow plow map to track plowing progress.

 

Subscribe to receive news releases, public service announcements, and stories directly to your inbox.

 

Visit the city's website or contact 311 for more information on snow and ice control in Lethbridge.

 

For public inquiries, call or chat with 311, Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.