Yellowhead Road and Bridge is urging rural property owners to keep an eye on their culverts as we cycle into spring.
In a posting this week, YRB said the 14-day forecast is showing above-freezing day temperatures and below-freezing evening temperatures.
"These fluctuations will cause freeze/thaw cycles that will start affecting culverts that have obstructions present," YRB says. "We want to remind rural property owners that private access culverts are the responsibility of the property owner and the maintenance contractor (YRB) is responsible to look after the roadway culverts."
Those who have had ongoing drainage issues are urged to look for obstructions prior to freshet.
"Typically snow in the ditches and near culvert inlets/outlets has insulating capabilities so water will continue to flow underneath but if snow has been piled during driveway clearing operations there may be hard ice and other debris creating obstructions. It is important to ensure that your culvert is flowing properly as obstructions can cause damage to private accesses and the public road."
Those who come across a plugged roadway culvert can alert YRB by calling 250-614-7600 or emailing fortgeorge@yrb.ca or through their website, www.yrb.ca.
