The Ministry of Transportation (MTO) says they are ready to plow away the stress of winter.
The MTO announced they are adding 50 pieces of equipment to various locations in southern Ontario, including eight of those in London.
The additional equipment comes after the OPP requested the shoulders and on and off-ramps get cleared quicker to give emergency crews and motorists more room to pullover, and access the highway safely.
The Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Transportation, Mike Colle, says this will help meet the OPP’s request and make the roads safe for everyone.
As well, twenty inspectors will also be added to the roads to oversee the operations during the storms.
Colle says this will help improve their standards.
“These are the people on the ground. They makes suggestions, recommendations. Every storm and every winter, like the last winter has unusual conditions.”
Colle adds the new inspectors will be able to bring instant feedback and help crews adjust to what Mother Nature is bringing.
MTO and OPP officials are asking everyone to work together.
“It’s a partnership. Drivers do their part by driving to the conditions. You can’t be driving like it’s a summer day.”
OPP also stress the importance of driving according to the conditions. They also say it is important to be ready for both the
road and weather conditions to change at a moments notice.
road and weather conditions to change at a moments notice.
MTO contractors have eight hours to have Highway 401 and the 402 cleared of snow and ice after the storm is done. They do note that it could take longer, depending on how bad the storm was.
Approximately 70,000 accidents happen each year during the winter season, that’s up 30% from the summer season.
Officials say you should always be prepared to spend extra time on the roads during a winter storm.
