Manitoba Transportation and Infrastructure is advising the public that provincial snow removal crews are equipped and ready to clear Manitoba’s highways in response to blizzard conditions, gusty winds and blowing snow expected in parts of southern Manitoba.
Environment and Climate Change Canada is predicting heavy snowfall along the Trans-Canada Highway, including Brandon and Winnipeg, beginning this afternoon and ending Thursday, December 18. Some areas could receive 10 to 20 centimetres of snow. Strong winds may lead to blowing snow and reduce visibility in many areas including the Red River Valley. There is also a chance of freezing rain in southwest Manitoba that could significantly impact road conditions.
The province is currently monitoring highway conditions and is ready to deploy its fleet of 340 vehicles for snow clearing, de-icing and grading. Staff based out of 46 maintenance yards around the province are prepared to maintain the more than 19,000-kilometre provincial highway system and make every effort to allow for safe and timely travel throughout the province during the winter season.
Travelers are reminded to check Manitoba 511 at manitoba511.ca for current road conditions prior to making travel decisions. Manitoba 511 now includes a snowplow tracking feature called Track My Plow, which shows active snowplows and provides a history of their routes over the past two hours. Manitoba 511 is updated regularly by road patrols, but conditions can change in a matter of minutes. It is illegal to travel on closed roads, and motorists may be subject to a fine.
The province delivers snow-clearing services through partnerships with 52 local governments and external contractors who manage low volume gravel roads. Manitoba Transportation and Infrastructure has also recently installed 20 new permanent digital message boards and 19 highway cameras to display live updates on traffic delays, road closures, detours and weather-related advisories. The cameras capture road conditions every 15 minutes and are uploaded to Manitoba 511.
