Thursday, December 21, 2000
Residential Streets Getting the Treatment
With No Help from the Weather, City Trucks Focusing on Trouble Spots
The National Weather Service is forecasting only a 30% chance of a snow dusting tonight with no freezing rain or sleet. This "pause" in DC's snowy weather will allow de-icing and salt-spreading trucks to continue working tonight along residential streets city-wide. DPW supervisors spent Thursday morning analyzing driver maps from last night's salt-spreading operations. These maps help the Department determine where, and in which neighborhoods, the worst problem areas still exist.
With temperatures still hovering in the 20s, trouble spots will remain until warmer weather reaches DC this weekend. Trucks will be driving prescribed routes in every ward during the night, treating ice, particularly on steep or heavily shaded streets. Additionally, the city has deployed "Trouble Trucks," whose sole job is responding to resident requests for additional service. By Friday morning's rush hour, 94 trucks will be working the neighborhoods, as well as bridges, overpasses, and main roads.
Although residential streets have all been treated with salt and/or Ice Ban, DPW officials warn that refreezing of the melted ice and stubborn icy patches -- perennial problems in this climate -- will still create hazardous driving in some areas. Salting will continue until road conditions improve along the secondary streets. With rare exceptions, trash and recycling collection schedules remain normal.
Note: For periodic updates on traffic and road conditions, tune into DC's cable television station, Channel 16, and visit the Mayor's website, www.washingtondc.gov.
