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. Current forecasts predict a coating to two inches of snow beginning after midnight tonight and finishing between 9AM and 11AM Wednesday morning.
In preparation, the Streets Department will have 70 pieces of equipment ready to treat the streets with approximately 40,000 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.
The wintry mix is expected to impact the morning commute. Motorists are asked to allow extra time and maintain safe driving distances to allow for sudden stopping. A wintry mix including rain and snow showers could cause slippery travel. 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: 4:00 pm
Location: Streets Department’s 1st Highway Yard at 4900 Parkside