THUNDER BAY - It could be several days before Thunder Bay’s residential roads are cleared, with forecasts calling for more snow throughout the day on Monday.
Brad Adams, roads manager for the city, says the focus has been on clearing arterial roads following Sunday’s snowstorm. Environment Canada estimates Thunder Bay was hit with around 25 centimetres of snow in the last 24 hours.
Plows began working on some residential streets Monday Morning at 9 a.m., but those resources may soon be diverted back to re-clear arterial connectors, with an additional 15 to 20 centimetres of snow expected through Monday afternoon and evening. Environment Canada says driving conditions will be particularly dangerous Monday evening, with heavy snowfall and winds up to 50 kilometres per hous.
Adams estimated it could take three days for all residential roads to be plowed. Having much of the snowfall occur during the day has exacerbated the challenge.
“The timing of the event is [what had] more impact on the community,” he says.
When it comes to clearing sidewalks, the city is maintaining the same focus on arterial routes. Adams expects those main pedestrian routes to be cleared by Tuesday, but estimates it could take five days to finish sidewalks in residential areas.
Environment Canada expects snowfall to be heaviest in the early evening Monday, with conditions clearing by Tuesday afternoon.
