Plans to cut rural road snowplowing reversed

People who live on rural roads with fewer than three homes occupied full-time will continue to receive snowplowing services, the provincial government announced on Thursday.

"We have consulted with New Brunswickers and have been able to identify efficiencies and streamline operations across the department," Transportation and Infrastructure Minister Claude Williams stated in a news release

Last November, Williams announced plans to cut back on snowplowing on certain roads, starting in 2012-13.The changein service delivery waspart of $4 million in cost-saving measures in an effort to reduce the province's deficit.

But the 176 roads that could have been affectedwill be grandfathered and keep existing service, Williams said.

"This is good news for many rural communities this coming winter," he said, adding that the more than250 affected homeowners will benotified by registered letter.

The announcement relates only to current in-service roads with fewer than three homes occupied full-time, the minister said.

Depending on the weather, the provincial government spends between $55 million and $75 million a year on winter road maintenance, government officials have said.

The department hopes to save money through stricter monitoring of salt use.