Chatham-Kent’s roads and drainage crews are asking for citizens’ cooperation as they deal with the potholes and accumulated snow and ice caused by this winter’s record snowfall and prolonged freezing temperatures.
Weather permitting, Chatham-Kent roads crews are working weekends, early mornings and evenings to fix the many potholes caused by the extreme winter weather.
“We are asking that drivers use caution when travelling near these crews,” said Jerry Corso, Manager, Public Works South. “Municipal workers will be on the street filling potholes outside of their trucks, and we ask drivers to slow down in these areas and go around the crews.”
Corso adds that drivers should obey any sign, barricade, truck or other traffic control device that will be used to redirect them around the work areas. “We appreciate the patience and cooperation of residents and visitors,” said Corso.
The extreme winter has also dumped snow and ice in open municipal drains.
“People should be aware that although drains can be full of snow, they are still functional in most cases,” said Tim Dick, Director of Drainage, Asset and Waste Management. “The water is flowing through channels it has created below the snow and ice. Attempting to remove that snow or ice can be counter-productive, causing blockage or forcing the water to carve new channels that flood previously unthreatened areas. It’s best just to leave the drains alone.”
Dick adds that Chatham-Kent citizens have shown great cooperation during this winter’s snows. “We are grateful for that,” said Dick. “I am sure we will all be glad to have this winter finished.”
