PHILADELPHIA – Streets Commissioner Carlton Williams announced today that the Streets Department stands ready to tackle the next round of winter weather conditions, and advises citizens of the Streets Department’s plans in preparation for today’s weather. Current forecasts predict a wintry mix of snow/sleet and freezing rain accumulating up to a half a inch. The expected arrival is between 2PM and 4PM, continuing into the evening.

In preparation, the Streets Department will have 70 pieces of equipment ready to treat the streets with over 35,000 tons of salt available. This is planned to be a salting operation of primary and secondary roads, bridge decks and streets in higher elevations, however, crews will be prepared to plow if the conditions change. Salting of roads will not begin until the snow arrives. The size of the Department’s salting operation will depend on the forecast at the time, but crews will be on standby for deployment. Crews will remain on-duty overnight to monitor roadways and respond to problem locations and emergencies.

Because the wintry mix is expected to impact the evening commute motorists are asked to allow extra time and maintain safe driving distances to allow for sudden stopping. The frigid temperatures and cold ground will make it easy for wintry mix to accumulate and cause slippery travel. Freezing rain and ice may cause other hazardous conditions such as down trees and wires impacting traffic conditions.

Streets Commissioner Carlton Williams urges citizens to follow these simple tips for a successful snow and ice management partnership:

  • Have shovels and de-icing supplies ready.
  • Salt steps and sidewalks early to prevent sticking.
  • Prepare a pathway at least 3 feet wide within six hours of the end of the storm.
  • Pile snow on the sidewalk along the curb line.  Shoveling snow into a plowed street hinders plowing efforts and it is illegal.

Note to assignment desks: The Streets Department will have a photo opportunity, with trucks and crews preparing for this afternoon’s operation.

Time:  3:00 pm
Location:  Streets Department’s 5th Highway Yard at 4040 Whitaker Avenue

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