After the snow, the sandman cometh

After the snow melts this spring, accumulations of winter sand on the streets of Sault Ste. Marie are expected to be 20 to 30 per cent more than last year, says Patrick McAuley, the City's Commissioner of Public Works and Transportation.

McAuley persuaded City Council this week to buy a new, $24,000 loader sweeper attachment to help remove all that extra sand.

A similar sweeper attachment was ordered last fall and recently arrived at the City yards.

"We now can see a considerable benefit in having two units, each one working ahead of the traditional mechanical and vacuum sweeper combination," McAuley says.

"These units will be used to remove bulk sand from roads and gutters, prior to passage of the other sweepers.

"It will result in improved productivity and less wear and tear on our aging sweepers," McAuley said.