The Ministry of Transportation and Highways classifies highways based on traffic volumes. The classification determines maintenance standards. The Nisga’a Highway is a Class C highway.

Maintenance contractors must meet the standards in their contracts. A summary of the standards for our roads in the winter follows.

The contractor must not allow more than 10 cm (about 4 inches) of snow to accumulate on the highway (on either or both lanes). If the forecast calls for snow the contractor must send equipment to, for example, areas of known frequent snowfall, before the snowfall starts so snow removal will start early in these areas. If snow wasn’t in the forecast then the contractor must complete plowing of snow and slush and the removal of broken compact snow within six hours. All loose snow and slush must be removed from the highway within 2 days of the end of the last measureable snowfall.

The general contract requires that all compact snow be removed from roads within seven days. The extreme weather we get sometimes in the north means that’s not possible. In these cases the contractor must roughen the surface and/or apply sand, gravel and/or chemicals. Snow removal on roads covered by compact snow must meet the same standards as other roads.

The general contract establishes standards for the use of sand, gravel and/or chemicals when roads are slippery. If a forecast might result in slippery driving conditions a contractor must send equipment to known or likely problem areas at least one hour before conditions are expected to deteriorate. The criteria for the restoration of traction depends on the condition and location:

Two documents from the BC Road Builder and Heavy Construction about preparing for and driving in winter conditions follow. You can view them online by clicking on the link or download them by right clicking and choosing "Save As" from the menu which appears.

Preparing for Winter Driving

Winter Driving Preparedness Fact Sheet