A look at the highway conditions in the region Monday, taken this afternoon. (Submitted photo/Sask. Highway Hotline)

By Martin Martinson

Drifting Snow

Drivers encouraged to proceed with caution on highways Monday

Jan 18, 2021 | 2:01 PM

Those travelling around the Battlefords and Meadow Lake area Monday should make sure to drive with caution and give themselves plenty of time, according to the provincial Highway Hotline.

Highway conditions surrounding the Battlefords community are currently described as ice covered with icy or slippery sections, featuring snow drifts and swirling snow. Meadow Lake also has slush and icy slippery sections, with snow-packed conditions.

Alesha Stables, hotline clerk for the Ministry of Highways with the Government of Saskatchewan, said while the current road conditions are pretty common for the time of year, the less-than-optimal roads have been a fairly new development over the last 24 hours, after a mostly mild last couple of weeks.

“The roads were pretty clear for a while, as much of this came in overnight,” she said. “It feels like this is a bit [more] of a typical mid-January event, although January is usually a lot colder still, but the swirling snow and the icy slippery conditions are pretty typical for January roads.”

Stables said for drivers planning on travelling Monday, it’s important to keep a few things in mind before taking to the open road in these conditions. Drivers should be aware of proper etiquette around heavy machinery, and consider their own personal comfort on winter roads.

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“The big thing is just to remember to drive safely and stay back from plows,” she said. “These are pretty typical road conditions, but if drivers don’t [feel confident] they can make it, they may want to stay off the roads for the time being.”

Equipment operators have already been busy on the roads throughout much of the morning and early afternoon, with plows and sanders clearing snow, sanding and salting icy patches. Much of the Meadow Lake and St. Walberg area has already been addressed, with crews working their ways south towards the Battlefords.

Stables said baring further precipitation or strong winds, the roads should improve as the day progresses, making for more optimal travel perhaps, later in the day.

“As long as the weather cooperates and the winds aren’t too high, the roads should be cleared up fairly soon,” she said. “But if the winds pick up or it starts to snow again, the road conditions will likely stay as they are.”

For the latest on up to date road conditions, visit the highway hotline.

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Martin.Martinson@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: MartyMartyPxP1