South River council concerned about ice on Old Cart Road

By Olivia Bradbury/Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Road conditions were a topic of concern at the recent South River council meeting on February 5, especially when it comes to clearing snow and salting Old Cart Road.

Councillor David Petten described Old Cart Road as a “sheet of ice” as a result of rain and ground water. He said no one can do anything about ground water running over and freezing on the road, but the Town could ask for extra salting when the weather is relatively mild.

Councillor Steven Rowe agreed, arguing that one hundred percent salt should be used.

Residents had also expressed concern about snow not being cleared from Old Cart Road early enough.

Rowe said there have been a couple of times on his way to work when he has noticed Old Cart Road had not yet been cleared.

“And I don’t go that early,” Rowe said.

He asked town clerk Marjorie Dawson if she could speak to the individual in charge of snow-clearing and ask whether he could start a bit earlier.

“There’s no reason you can’t have the roads done by six thirty or seven o’clock,” said Rowe.

Dawson said she heard from residents that the worker finishes with the roads around eight in the morning.

Councillor Eric Snow said he has seen the worker clearing snow earlier than six o’clock.

It was noted that the previous few days had been an “unusual situation” due to the amount of ice forming, which clearing and salting could not rectify.