Community News
Department of Transportation Information Regarding Howard Road
/Posted on: February 2, 2023/

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.