NLIS 6
November 15, 2005
(Transportation and Works)
 

Minister says department well prepared for winter maintenance

Transportation and Works Minister Trevor Taylor today expressed sympathy for the families of the six people who have been tragically killed in motor vehicle accidents in the province in the last week and warned motorists of the presence and danger of black ice forming quickly this time of year.

�Nothing government can say will make it easier for the families who have lost loved ones this week on our roads,� Minister Taylor said. �We all need to be aware that in Newfoundland and Labrador roads can become very slippery in a short period of time, often with no warning. Our sympathies go out to the families of the individuals who died in these three tragic accidents.�

In all three cases, highway personnel were on the roads assessing the conditions and dispatching heavy equipment based on normal procedures and their professional judgment. Minister Taylor assured the traveling public that the department is well prepared for the approaching winter season. At the same time, he warned motorists that temperatures and road conditions can change quickly in this province and driving habits must be adjusted accordingly.

�We have professional, dedicated staff assessing road conditions. Sometimes roads can be dry and clear of ice, except in a small unnoticed shaded section as was the case in one of the incidents this week,� Minister Taylor said. �We can't possibly keep roads totally free of ice, which is why it is so important for motorists to use extreme caution.�

Eighty per cent of the department's heavy equipment fleet is available to address road conditions, which is consistent for this time of year. The equipment is also used during the summer maintenance program and therefore must undergo inspection and maintenance prior to going into the winter maintenance schedule. At any given time, some equipment will be out of service due to maintenance and mechanical difficulties, however, the department has enough equipment to adjust route schedules to ensure identified roads are cleared.

�We are investing significant funding into heavy equipment and their operations, in routine maintenance and in new vehicles,� Minister Taylor said. �In this year's budget, we have provided an additional $3.5 million for heavy equipment, for a total of $6.5 million. This has
allowed us to purchase 30 replacement snow plows to be inserted into the fleet. Safety is the top priority.�

Minister Taylor said that government�s decision to reduce summer depot operations at 13 locations earlier this year to ensure the most effective use of summer maintenance resources has no impact on the winter operations of the department. All savings achieved through this measure was put back into the department's maintenance budget.

�The same number of workers is available for winter road maintenance this year as was the case in previous years,� Minister Taylor said. �Government made a commitment when we decided to reduce summer depot operations that appropriate staff would be in place during the winter months when they are most needed, and that is the case now. All depots were opened on November 1 and will be fully staffed by December 1, as is the case every year.�

Accident statistics show that October and November can be dangerous, as temperatures and weather conditions change quickly, catching the traveling public off guard. The department will soon be launching its annual �Snow Means Slow� campaign to remind motorists to slow down
heading into winter and to watch out for black ice.

�Tragic accidents do happen for a variety of reasons and as a result of a variety of factors. Black ice conditions can occur instantaneously,� Minister Taylor said. �The department, government
and the traveling public must be vigilant in ensuring that every possible precaution that can be taken, is taken, to reduce the risk of tragedy on our highways.�

Media contact: Tracy Barron, Communications, (709) 729-1758, 691-1963

2005 11 16                                      3:55 p.m.


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