A policewoman directs traffic at a crossroad in Harbin, capital of Northeast China’s Heilongjiang province. [Photo/my399.com]

The traffic department has been working around the clock in Harbin, capital of Northeast China’s Heilongjiang province, as the city ground to a halt during the snowy season with temperatures reaching minus 31 C on Dec 18.

More than 2,000 staffers from the traffic department of Harbin braved heavy snow to direct traffic in major crossroads of the city.

"I wore thermal underwear, two sweaters, a quilted jacket and a uniform, and I was overwhelmed by the cold wind within 20 minutes," said Ju Ran, who continued to direct traffic at the crossroads between Jingwei Street and Tiandi Street in Daoli district while the outdoor temperature reached minus 20 C in the morning.

At 11:30 pm on Dec 20, there was a car accident at the intersection of Youyi Road and Gaoyi Street. Police officer Chen Yongquan and his colleagues drove a trailer to the spot immediately. When the issue was cleared up, it was already 1:00 am the next day with temperatures around minus 29 C.

"It’s common for us to deal with four or five accidents at night on these snowy days," said Chen, who grabbed the chance to take a nap on a sofa as soon as he went back to his office.

Thanks to the hardworking police on snowy days, residents can enjoy a safe and sound journey on the road.