HomeMy WebLinkAbout12-06-2010 Snow clearance continues; Crews work ’round the clock
Office of the Mayor
NEWS RELEASE
Monday, December 06, 2010
1:30 p.m.
Snow clearance continues; Crews work ’round the clock
Contact:
Sam Hensley, Director of Streets, 235-9244
City of South Bend crews stepped up snow-removal efforts today, mobilizing inter-departmental
efforts to place as many as 60 pieces of equipment on city streets to remove snowfall from major
thoroughfares.
Drivers are encouraged to slow down to speeds appropriate for the road conditions and drive
with caution.
Since Friday, Street Department crews worked around the clock and had the availability of 30 to
35 pieces of equipment on the roads. But the number of units and personnel will nearly double
today as part of a citywide effort. City departments and work units providing personnel and
equipment include the Public Works Garage, Water Works, Sewers, Traffic & Lighting, Parks
and Recreation, Organic Resources and Code Enforcement.
“It has been challenging because of the high winds and the drifting,” said Sam Hensley, director
of streets. “It’s been intermittent. We just about get it cleaned up, and then it snows again.”
Street Department crews began working overtime on Friday and plan to continue working two,
12-hour shifts until sometime after the anticipated snowfall ceases. In advance of the heavier
snowfall, they completed two applications of a geo-melt/salt brine mixture, whose beet juice
contents enhance melting of snow and ice. After an initial plowing of residential streets, crews
were back on primary arteries today.
The National Weather Service continues to forecast a Lake Effect Snow Warning until midday
Tuesday with projected accumulation of 12 to 20 inches.
“We’ll be working 24/7 till at least Wednesday,” Hensley said. “When the snow is done, we are
not.”
The community is asked to exercise caution while driving during significant snow conditions. It
is important that drivers adjust to the winter conditions by slowing down and allowing more time
for travel. Please help build a safe city this winter season by following these important snow
safety tips:
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Keep a safe distance when driving behind snow plows in order to stay clear of the plow’s
blind spots.
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Do not try to pass plows that are moving in and out between cars parked on the curb line.
This is very dangerous and may cause an accident.
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Please park on driveways or in garages, away from curb lines, whenever possible.
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Do not shovel or blow snow into the street causing a traffic obstruction.
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Never allow children to play in snow piles along curb lines. Please restrict them from
building forts in either snow piles along the curb lines.
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