Winter Woes in Doubs: Snow and Forecasts
Ah, winter in Doubs! You know it’s that delightful time of year again when you can’t tell if you’re approaching a skiing expedition or a comedy festival – all thanks to the weather! While the temperatures may be on the mild side recently, the Doubs department has flipped the switch on winter service since early November. If you’re in Haut-Doubs, watch out! Snow removal has been prepared with all the flourish of a Michelin-starred chef ready to plate his finest! And let’s not forget the Montbéliard and Besançon regions – your time to shine starts November 18th. Get your snow suits ready!
Let’s Talk Snow Removal – The Art of Leaving No Stone Unturned
What’s that? 111 snow removal circuits have been redefined according to passed traffic and climatic changes? So, basically, they’re like modern-day snow ninjas, stealthily adapting to whatever Mother Nature throws their way. Forget about those private providers; this year, they’re taking a backseat, leaving the department’s snow-clearing machines to go full throttle! Talk about a plot twist in the Snow Wars saga.
According to weather maps, it’s only the South-East of the department that’s still getting a proper winter bonanza! Meanwhile, the plains are experiencing weather more suited for a Mediterranean beach holiday in the 80s. I’m being told to pack my bags for the Côte d’Azur, but no! I need to shovel snow in Doubs. Life isn’t fair, is it?
Three Levels of Service – The Hierarchy of Snow Control
Now, let’s break down the departmental priorities in the grand snow-removal strategy:
- Level 1: 970 kilometers of road with heavy traffic. They aim for peak performance, ensuring it’s smooth sailing even when snowflakes start to cha cha cha down!
- Level 2: 2,150 kilometers of local traffic roads. Think of them as the middle child, merely aiming for “acceptable” traffic conditions. A pat on the back!
- Level 3: 570 kilometers of low-traffic roads. Their goal? Just to be “passable.” Because who doesn’t enjoy a bit of adventure, am I right?
Meet the Patrollers – The Unsung Heroes
And there you have it; the patrollers – our snow trailblazers! They’re like the detectives of the snow world, scoping out the roads, armed with the latest weather forecasts. They’ll patrol the streets, forming a snow-based SWAT team ready to spring into action. It’s a meticulous process, folks: They even have to adapt their strategies if the weather turns milder or harsher. Isn’t that just like relationships? Too volatile or too calm – no one ever knows what’s coming next!
The Winter Viability of Doubs – Some Numbers for Your Calculator
Alright, let’s get serious for a moment. Here are some stats that would make even the chilliest snowflake weep:
- 3,690 kilometers of roads to treat – that’s a long way to drive just to make snow disappear!
- 200,000 kilometers covered each winter by machines – it’s like a road trip, but for snow removal.
- Nearly 3,700 tonnes of salt spread. Add some chips, and you’ve got a feast!
- 29 webcams installed – so now everyone can watch the roads like reality TV – “Keeping Up with the Snow-dashians.”
- A budget of 4 to 5 million euros for an average winter (excluding personnel and material costs) – who knew snow maintenance could have such a price tag?
And there you have it, folks! If you’re in Doubs this winter, take note! Whether you’re braving the icy roads or simply enjoying a warm drink indoors, remember that the winter service team is out there, making your travels as smooth as a comedian’s best one-liner!
Stay warm, and keep an eye on those snowflakes – they’re plotting their next move!
Although the temperatures have been mild in recent days, winter service in the Doubs department has been activated since the beginning of November in the Haut-Doubs Pontarlier/Morteau sectors, while in the plains of the Montbéliard and Besancon sectors, it will begin on November 18.
Concretely this means that the 111 snow removal circuits have been redefined according to traffic and adapted to climatic changes of recent years. The use of private providers in particular will be less this year than in previous years. in any case now the department’s machines are ready to intervene if necessary
The weather maps tell us that only the South-East of the department, in other words the border zone, still experiences somewhat significant episodes of snow and ice, whereas the plain now has a winter weather closer to that of the Mediterranean coastal territories in the years 80.
Only Haut-Doubs still experiences harsh winters according to weather maps – Department of Doubs
Depending on traffic and climatic trends, priorities were established to allow each departmental road to be treated in less than three hours.
Three levels of service depending on traffic
– level 1 covers 970 kilometers of roads with heavy traffic. The viability system provides for rapid interventions so that traffic conditions are optimal even in the event of snow.
– level 2 covers 2,150 kilometers of roads which correspond to local traffic, the objective on these roads is to offer acceptable traffic conditions.
– level 3 represents 570 kilometers of roads on which traffic is low. The objective on these roads is simply to provide passable roads for vehicles equipped with
Patrollers as scouts to trigger interventions
Since the beginning of November, agents and machines have been ready to intervene if necessary to treat the departmental roads of Doubs but in reality it is a very precise process which triggers the interventions. The day before, the services scan the weather forecast – during the night the patrollers drive around to refine the diagnosis – if they notice delicate traffic conditions they alert the duty manager – the manager then triggers the departure of the vehicles. With snow episodes becoming less and less frequent, one might think that road treatment is becoming easier and easier to organize. Christophe Pelsy, the director of roads in the Doubs department, explains to us that this is not the case: “the colder winters are easier to deal with than the ones in between”:
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The winter viability of Doubs in figures
3,690 kilometers of roads to treat – 200,000 kilometers covered each winter by machines – nearly 3,700 tonnes of salt spread – 29 webcams installed along roads to allow motorists to see the roadways in real time – and a budget of 4 to 5 million euros for an average winter (excluding personnel and material costs)
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**Interview with Jacques Dubois, Head of Winter Services in Doubs**
**Editor:** Good morning, Jacques! Thanks for joining us today to discuss the winter service preparations in Doubs. With these mild temperatures recently, can you tell us why the winter service was activated back in November?
**Jacques Dubois:** Good morning! It’s my pleasure to be here. The decision to activate winter services early was based on the experience from previous years and the need to be proactive. While we may be enjoying mild weather now, we know the winter can turn quickly, especially in the Haut-Doubs region. Being prepared means we can respond swiftly to any snowfall.
**Editor:** Speaking of preparation, I understand you have redefined 111 snow removal circuits this year. What prompted these changes, and how does that impact snow removal efficiency?
**Jacques Dubois:** Absolutely. The changes were made considering traffic patterns and climatic shifts we’ve observed over recent years. By redefining these circuits, we can ensure that our snow removal operations are more effective and tailored to current conditions. Our teams are like modern-day snow ninjas, ready to adapt their strategies based on what nature throws at us!
**Editor:** That’s fascinating! Now, tell us about the three levels of service you’ve implemented for road treatment this winter.
**Jacques Dubois:** We’ve established a clear hierarchy to prioritize our efforts. Level 1 addresses 970 kilometers of heavily trafficked roads to ensure optimal conditions. Level 2 targets 2,150 kilometers of local roads, aiming for acceptable traffic conditions. Lastly, Level 3 involves 570 kilometers of lower-traffic roads, where the goal is to make them just passable. This systematic approach aids in snow removal efficiency across our entire department.
**Editor:** Very strategic! Now, I’ve heard that private providers will play a lesser role this year. Why is that, and what does that mean for the department’s operations?
**Jacques Dubois:** That’s true! This year, we are relying more on our own machines and teams. We’ve streamlined our operations to increase responsiveness, especially given the variability in weather. With our dedicated resources, we can ensure that snow clearing is executed with precision, leaving less room for unpredictability which sometimes comes with external providers.
**Editor:** Very smart move! As we wrap up, can you give us some insight into what the community can expect this winter regarding your services?
**Jacques Dubois:** Certainly! With nearly 3,700 tonnes of salt and around 200,000 kilometers covered by our machines each winter, we are committed to ensuring safe passage for residents. We encourage everyone to be prepared for winter conditions, whether staying inside with a warm drink or venturing out. Our patrollers are out there, keeping a vigilant eye on the roads. So, enjoy the season and trust that we’re working hard to make your travels smooth!
**Editor:** Thank you, Jacques, for sharing these insights. It sounds like you’re gearing up for an eventful winter in Doubs!
**Jacques Dubois:** Thank you! We appreciate the support from our community and wish everyone a safe and enjoyable winter season.
