The Department of Transportation and Infrastructure has provided the following information regarding Howard Road and winter road conditions.

Howard Road falls under the Winter Level of Service C with plowing to commence on the road after 8cm of snowfall. The objective of LOS C roads are snow packed conditions with hills, curves and intersections treated with sand.

DTI monitors roads during winter storms, with plowing operations typically running from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. on most provincial roads. From 11 pm until 5 a.m., services are typically reduced to emergency only response. DTI is available to respond to emergencies around the clock.

Levels of service may be reduced due to the following:

• Length and severity of storm
• Limited visibility for operators, compromising the safety of maintenance personnel and/or the traveling public
• Equipment, material and staff availability
• Winds causing drifting
• Freezing rain or sleet
• Road surface temperatures (less than 10C) which limit the effectiveness of deicing
• chemicals (i.e. salt)
• Recovery time for operators during extended winter storm conditions

There are five levels of winter service.

• Winter Service Category “A-1” (4 Lane Arterials) with Traffic Count greater that 4000:
  Objective: Bare driving lanes within 24 hours after end of storm
  
• Winter Service Category “A-2” (Remaining Arterials and high volume collectors) with Traffic Count greater than 2000:
  Objective: Bare driving lanes within 24 hours after end of storm
  
• Winter Service Category “B” (Medium volume Collectors & selected Locals) with Traffic Count from 500 to 2000:
  Objective: Bare centre strip or bare wheel path within 48 hours after end of storm
  
• Winter Service Category “C” (Low Volume Collectors, most local highways) with Traffic Count less than 500:
  Objective: Snow packed condition with hills, curves and intersections treated with sand
  
• Winter Service Category “D” (Local Highways) with Traffic Count less than 100:
  Objective: Snow packed condition. May not receive service for extended periods of time.