It’s time to sweep the streets!
Residential street sweeping is set to start in Lethbridge on Monday, April 13.
The annual initiative sees crews clearing local roadways of debris and preparing streets for the summer season. Sweeping will be ongoing from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekdays 4 for eight to 12 weeks, weather permitting.
Crews have gotten a jump on the project, though, with sweeping near school sites currently underway during the Easter break.
For the residential portion of the project, citizens will spot signage beginning Monday.
“We are looking forward to our annual spring street sweeping program as it promotes a sense of cleanliness and pride in the community, reduces dust and debris, and collects sand from winter ice control to be recycled and reused for next winter,” said Juliane Ruck, transportation operations manager for the City of Lethbridge.
The sweeping program helps prevent material like sand, dirt, and other debris from being washed into the Oldman River through the storm sewer system. The City added that it also reduces dust and improves overall conditions for cycling, walking, and driving.
Additionally, collected sand from winter ice control is reconditioned and reused in the next year’s sanding operations, while residual waste material is disposed of in the landfill.
PARKING
As part of the spring sweeping initiative, ‘no parking’ signs will be set up in neighbourhoods about 24 hours prior to the start of sweeping.
Vehicles that are parked on any street where signs are displayed could be ticketed.
Ruck explained that when vehicles are parked in those areas, crews cannot sweep those spots, “and our sweepers will not come back to those areas”.
“Please be a good neighbour and move your vehicle before the sweepers show up to help ensure your entire street is done properly,” she said.
Drivers are being reminded to move their vehicles off the street before 7:30 a.m. on sweeping days. Parking can resume after 4 p.m., but vehicles must be moved the next morning if signs are still set up.
Once sweeping is finished, signs will be removed, and on-street parking can fully resume.
NOTIFICATIONS
Residents can download the free Lethbridge Loop mobile app to get a reminder for their neighbourhood 24 hours before sweeping starts.
A live sweeping map, where residents can input their address, is available on the City of Lethbridge website.
NIGHT SWEEPING
Night sweeping will take place on arterial roads, downtown, and in the industrial area to reduce impacts on traffic. Night sweeping will start on Sunday, April 12 and will continue Sundays through Thursdays between 9 p.m. and 6 a.m. during the next six to eight weeks.
