Manitoba Infrastructure and Transportation reminds motorists to drive safely during the holiday season, adapt to road conditions and watch for snow-clearing equipment.
When weather events affect the provincial highway system, crews are sent out as needed, regardless of the time or day.
Drivers are reminded:
- to check the weather forecast and driving conditions before travelling, and to delay or cancel travel if it is not recommended;
- to consider turning back or finding a safe place to stop if conditions get worse while driving;
- that all maintenance equipment has flashing blue warning lights;
- to stay well back of all equipment;
- to always remain alert when following or approaching oncoming plows;
- not to attempt to pass a plow in operation from behind at any time, and
- to slow down when passing approaching snowplows in operation.
The Manitoba government is responsible for maintaining the 19,000-kilometre provincial highway system. The province began expanding and renewing the winter highways fleet in 2007 and has since replaced 132 truck plows, 51 graders, 39 wheel loaders and 12 snowblowers.
Winter driving conditions can be a factor in arriving at a destination safely. The latest information on roads is currently available at www.mb511.ca or 511 (toll-free). Information on road closures and cautions is available by following the Twitter account at twitter.com/MBGovRoads.
