MONCTON, N.B. — Despite efforts by Metro Moncton crews, motorists still have to take extra precaution when approaching many intersections.

High snowbanks are causing visibility barriers for four-wheel drivers meaning truck drivers must be extra cautious.

Police don’t keep tabs on how many collisions occur at intersections each winter as a result of blocked visibility from high snowbanks, but they do happen, admits one police officer.

Municipalities are responsible for snow removal within their boundaries. Municipal public works crews follow a set pattern with each snowstorm. They start with clearing and maintaining the main routes such as downtown Moncton streets, then work the side streets and sidewalks in those heavily- travelled areas within the first 24 hours of a storm, says public works supervisor Martin Topf.

Work to widen the main thoroughfare is also undertaken, with particular attention paid to major intersections, he says. The main routes are cleared of snow to beyond the sidewalks providing four or five feet (1.2 to 1.5 metres) more viewing area.

Currently, the sun is the works crews best ally, helping shrink the snowbanks and reduce the danger.