FAQ

 

+When are you going to plow my road?

Highways and roads are plowed in a priority schedule. The priority is determined by the standards set by the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure. Priority is given to numbered highways and school bus routes with other roads frequency determined by winter traffic volumes.

Argo is not responsible for roads within Municipality boundaries.

+When will my road be swept?

Sweeping starts at the end of winter starting at the lower elevations. If debris is spilled on a road please call the emergency number to report the spill.

+When will the lines be painted on the highway?

Argo is not responsible for line painting in the highway maintenance contract.

Line painting of ministry roads is contracted out separately by the ministry. To learn more please visit http://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/transportation/transportation-infrastructure/contracting-to-transportation/highway-bridge-maintenance/pavement-marking

+How can I participate in the Adopt a Highway program?

Argo participates in the Ministry of Transportation and Highway’s Adopt a highway program and we assist groups whenever they pick their adopted section of highway. Each group must first sign up for the program. Please visit the Ministry of Transportation and Highway’s Adopt a Highway web pages: http://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/transportation/transportation- environment/adopt-a- highway Complete the appropriate forms and submit the form. Once the application is approved a Ministry representative will contact you.

+I hit a pothole or damaged my vehicle on the highway - can I submit a claim to Argo or the Ministry?

Damage to vehicles or infrastructure can occur due to unforeseen events such as accidents or vandalism. While the BC Ministry of Transportation and Transit has a formal claims process, a claim is only payable if there is proven negligence by the Ministry or its contractors (such as Argo). 

Contractors follow specific standards and response times depending on road classification. If those standards are met, liability does not apply. 

We recommend reporting damage to your insurer first, which allows repairs to proceed immediately. Your insurer can then pursue the claim, including the cost of your deductible. 

To file a claim directly with the Ministry, include:

  • Exact location, date, and time of the incident,
  • Description and cost of the damage,
  • Your full contact information.

Claims can be submitted here.

+Why does Argo use calcium or magnesium chloride instead of just water for dust?

Water provides only temporary dust suppression. Calcium and magnesium chloride offer longer-lasting results by chemically binding fine particles in the gravel. This not only reduces dust but also strengthens the road base, helping to improve safety and reduce maintenance needs.

Calcium chloride is an approved product listed by the BC Ministry of Transportation and Transit for dust control and base stabilization.

+Why hasn't dust control been applied in front of my property yet? I see it on some roads, but not everywhere.

Dust control is only applied in locations that meet specific criteria set by the BC Ministry of Transportation and Transit, as outline in the Maintenance Specifications Manual.* These guidelines determine where dust suppression is permitted based on road classification, proximity to buildings, and traffic volume.

Qualifying sites may include:

  • Residences, businesses, community halls, hospitals, and churches within a defined distance from the travelled lane.
  • School zones, bus pullouts, playgrounds, rest areas, and cemeteries.
  • Bridge and cattleguard approaches.
  • Orchards, market gardens, and vineyards located near the highway.
  • Highways with heavy commercial traffic (40+ vehicles/day with 3+ axels).

Argo applies dust control only to locations that fall within these provincial specifications. While we understand it may be frustrating, we appreciate your understanding as we work within these standards to ensure consistency and fairness.

*Refer to the Maintenance Specifications Manual here.

+Why is the grader only fixing small sections of the road instead of grading the entire thing?

What you're seeing is known as spot grading, a focused maintenance technique used when only certain areas of a gravel road require attention. This allows us to address specific issues like potholes or washboarding quickly and efficiently. 

Spot grading is often done to stay ahead of the calcium truck during the dust control season. We may return at a later date to complete a full road reshape once dust suppression is applied and resources allow.

Full road reshaping is still part of our broader maintenance program, but during peak operational periods - such as the lead-up to dust control season - time and resource constraints mean our crews must prioritize roads scheduled for treatment.

Spot grading is a proactive and strategic approach to keep roads safe while balancing available resources and operational demands.

+Why hasn't the grass been mowed along the highway near my property? It's starting to look overgrown.

Vegetation control is a priority for Argo, but during peak wildfire season it becomes more complex due to BC Wildfire Service regulations.

When the Fire Danger Rating is at Extreme (5) for three consecutive days, mowing operations are restricted unless we have obtained a formal exemption (which Argo has obtained). To mow under these conditions, the following must be in place:

  • A dedicated water truck on site
  • Crews with S-100 fire suppression training
  • Fire-fighting equipment on standby
  • A mandatory two-hour fire watch after mowing

These additional requirements increase the cost and complexity of mowing and may redirect resources from other essential maintenance tasks. While the vegetation may appear overgrown, public safety and wildfire prevention must take precedence during high-risk periods.

Please also note that higher-classification roads are prioritized before secondary routes to maintain safety and visibility on the province's most heavily travelled corridors.