Montreal snow-removal work represents 'major challenge'

Snow-removal work continues today following the snowstorm that dumped 39 centimetres on Montreal, a record for Dec. 29.

There are roughly10,000 kilometres of roads and sidewalks to clear across the city, said city spokesmanJacques-Alain Lavalle.

Hecalled the cleanup a "major challenge."

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The cleanup is expected to cost nearly $20 million,out of the city's total snow clearing budget of $159 million.

Blue-collar workers will get a break forNew Year's Eve at 7 p.m. untilJan. 2 at 7 a.m.

Crews hadcompleted about 12per cent of the snow removal operation by 7 a.m. on Thursday, according toInfo-Neigeapp.

The order of priority for snow-removal workers is as follows:

1. Main trafficarteries, key bus routes, entrances to hospitals and other emergency services.
2. Local commercial streets, other bus routes.
3. Small residential streets, industrial areas.