By Pete McIntyre

District concerned about ‘dangerous conditions’ on highway

Jan 15, 2020 | 5:15 AM

The Okanagan’s road maintenance contractor is getting a failing grade from the District of Coldstream.

Mayor Jim Garlick says council has decided to write the province over concerns about how AIM Roads is servicing Highway 6 in Coldstream.

“We are asking that the highway receive more plowing and sanding in a timely manner in order to avoid the dangerous driving conditions experienced this winter,” Garlick told Vernon Matters.

Garlick says the road crews have to get to the highway quicker after snowfall.

“If the snow plowing and sanding is not carried out soon during storms, the snow becomes compacted into ice. Little or no sand is visible on the highway,” the mayor added.

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Drivers throughout the region have been complaining about the icy road conditions this week.

AIM Roads has told Vernon Matters it has to wait for the weather to warm up before it can use salt and de-icing chemicals which are not effective during the cold temperatures.

Until then, it says it has been regularly sanding the roads to increase traction.

After seeing AIM’s comments, Mayor Garlick provided the following links to articles or information which he feels shows more severe weather conditions alternatives do exist:

Calcium chloride

Road salt

by Pete McIntyre

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