The City of Halifax has brought in more equipment to sweep away the crusher dust left behind after a long winter of snow and ice.
“We’re working hard trying to get it done and the streets are starting to look a lot better now,” says city employee Don Haquoil.
“We’ve had crews out over the past month doing this work to remove the sand debris from streets and sidewalks and a lot of that work is taking place overnight and so we do appreciate residents’ patience if they do hear that equipment happening in the middle of the night,” says city spokeswoman Tiffany Chase.
Officials say, during a typical year, certain streets are only swept three times, but that number could double before spring is over. They also say they budgeted for additional equipment earlier in the season to make the cleanup effort more efficient.
“I’m glad they’re taking this opportunity with this lovely weather to start working on it,” says Halifax resident Caryn Leask. “You know, it’s going to take a little bit longer, but we’re all ready for the sun.”
“It seems like there was a lot more sand and grit deposited, so it’s definitely something you should watch out for,” says motorcyclist Paul Thompson.
He says crusher dust can prove especially dangerous for motorcyclists, so he’s grateful for the work being done.
“About a week ago I saw a fellow who, when somebody pulled out of a driveway and he hit his brakes, I noticed he was on crusher dust after he went down, and of course that was the result.”
While crews work around the clock to rid the streets of crusher dust, city officials are asking residents to do their part by picking up any debris they see.
