County crews regularly monitor rural roads throughout the winter season to manage snow and ice.

High-volume and high-speed roads are cleared and sanded first.

Rural snow clearing priorities

Following a priority system, all rural roads are cleared within five days of a moderate snowfall (5-7 cm). If there is more snowfall, crews will return to Priority 1 roads.

Priority 1 – Major industrial roads 
Snow accumulation of 2-5 cm 
Cleared within 12 hours

Priority 2 – Major thoroughfares that service schools and recreation facilities 
Snow accumulation of 5-7 cm 
Cleared within 12 hours (after Priority 1 cleared)

Priority 3 – Remaining grid roads 
Snow accumulation of 5-7 cm 
Cleared within 72 hours (after Priority 2 cleared)

Priority 4 – Country residential and hamlet roads 
Snow accumulation of 5-7 cm 
Cleared within 48 hours (after Priority 3 cleared)

Priorities are outlined in the  Winter Maintenance Policy. (119.9 KB)

Launch full interactive map.

Download a pdf version of the urban winter priorities map. (1.2 MB) .

Highways are maintained by province

The Province of Alberta is responsible for winter maintenance on all highways throughout Strathcona County. This includes the Anthony Henday, Highway 16 (Yellowhead Trail), Highway 21, Highway 14, Highway 824 and Highway 630 (Wye Road east of Highway 21).

Learn more about highway maintenance

Ice control method depends on road type

Depending on the location, the County may use sand, salt or rock chips to manage icy conditions. 

• A sand/salt mixture is used on hard-surfaced roads (e.g., asphalt, coldmix). 
  • Salt is not as effective at cold temperatures, so the amount of salt decreases as the temperature drops. 
• Rock chips are used on loose gravel and dust-suppressed gravel roads. 

Urban and rural snow clearing at the same time

While the County follows a different priority system for managing snow and ice on urban roads, crews work in both urban and rural areas at the same time.

Further information: