With another snowstorm expected, the province has appointed a senior civil servant to keep an eye on the stretch of highway where 1,500 cars were stranded earlier this week.

Nova Scotia Transportation Minister Murray Scott said Bruce Langille will have the power to co-ordinate emergency resources and mobilize help on the Cobequid Pass if necessary.

The section of the Trans-Canada Highway was impassable on Wednesday after a storm hit. A couple of trucks jack-knifed, blocking the road. Several cars trying to bypass them got stuck.

The lineup of vehicles grew to about 1,500. Some stranded travellers spent 16 hours on the highway before traffic moved early Thursday.

Government and emergency officials have been criticized for not warning drivers about the roadblock and not reacting quickly enough to free those who were trapped without food, water and medication.

Scott said Nova Scotians can be assured that transportation crews are ready to go this weekend.

"In the event of a storm this weekend, which is being predicted, we have all the resources in place at this time," he said.