The City of Prince Albert is warning residents and motorists that a stretch of warmer weather expected through the weekend and into early next week is likely to worsen local road conditions, adding fresh operational pressures for municipal crews and increasing safety risks for drivers.
City officials say the forecasted temperature fluctuations above and below freezing will intensify the annual thaw-freeze cycle, a phenomenon that can quickly degrade winter road surfaces. As snow melts during warmer periods and refreezes overnight, ruts, icy patches and reduced traction can develop with little warning, particularly on heavily travelled routes.
In response, the City of Prince Albert confirmed that snow-clearing operations will be prioritised over the coming week, with crews concentrating on bus routes and major collector roads. Municipal teams will also be dispatched to address specific problem areas reported by residents, including deep ruts and sightline issues at intersections.
“When temperatures fluctuate above and below freezing, melting snow refreezes and creates ruts and icy patches that can develop rapidly,” said Jeff Da Silva, Director of Public Works. “Intersections are particularly affected, and we’re asking drivers to slow down, allow extra stopping distance, and be mindful of changing road conditions.”
The warning highlights the operational challenges municipalities face during late-winter warm spells, when road conditions can deteriorate faster than crews can respond. Unlike heavy snowfall events, freeze-thaw damage is less predictable and can emerge across multiple locations in a short period, requiring constant monitoring and rapid deployment of resources.
City officials say this is why public reporting plays a critical role in maintaining road safety. Residents are being strongly encouraged to report ruts, snow buildup, and sightline concerns through the City’s online service request portal. Submitting a report creates a direct service request for snow operations and allows crews to prioritise locations based on real-time conditions rather than routine patrols alone.
Municipal staff describe the portal as the most efficient way for residents to flag hazards, particularly in residential areas where issues may not be immediately visible from main routes. Reports submitted through the system are logged, tracked and assigned directly to snow-clearing teams, helping to improve response times during periods of rapid change.
From a business and economic perspective, deteriorating winter road conditions can have broader implications beyond day-to-day commuting. Local businesses rely on safe and predictable transportation networks to ensure employees can reach workplaces and customers can access retail and service locations. Poor road conditions can also disrupt transit schedules and delivery routes, adding costs for operators and contributing to delays across the local economy.
The City says its focus on bus and collector routes reflects the importance of maintaining key transportation corridors that support public transit, commercial traffic and emergency services. Ensuring these routes remain passable during freeze-thaw cycles helps minimise disruptions and supports continuity for essential services.
Motorists are being reminded that winter driving conditions can change rapidly, even within a single commute. The City is advising drivers to reduce speeds, allow additional travel time and increase following distances, particularly when approaching intersections where refreezing is most likely to occur.
Officials also emphasised that patience and cooperation from residents are critical as crews continue to work through winter conditions. With temperatures expected to fluctuate, road maintenance efforts may need to be repeated in the same areas as conditions evolve.
While warmer weather can be welcome after prolonged cold, municipal leaders caution that late-winter thaws often create some of the most challenging road conditions of the season. By combining targeted snow-clearing operations with timely public reporting, the City aims to mitigate risks and maintain safe mobility for residents and businesses alike.
The City thanked residents for their understanding as crews respond to changing conditions and reiterated that reporting issues through the online portal remains the most effective way to ensure snow-related concerns are addressed promptly
