Local snow crews prepare for snowstorm in Pittsburgh area

PITTSBURGH — Public works crews are gearing up for a busy night heading into Monday morning when snow is expected to move into the area.

Salt truck drivers were ready to hit the streets in the City of Pittsburgh by 6 p.m. Sunday pretreating neighborhoods first.

“Right now, we’re kind of in pretreat mode but also getting ready to pivot to the heavy snow when it gets here,” said Pittsburgh’s Department of Public Works Director Chris Hornstein.

No matter how much snow falls, city leaders said they’re ready for this next round of snow. They’ll have 70 trucks out in the early morning hours.

“We’re planning for the worst, hoping for the best,” Hornstein said.

If the snow falls fast and heavy, DPW crews could close a handful of roads, including South Negley Avenue, where cars got stuck on an icy, unsalted stretch just days before Christmas.

Other roads that could potentially close include Capitol Avenue; Newett Street; Copperfield Street; Suffolk Street; and Rialto Street.

“Give us a little bit of patience,” said Hornstein. “Give us an opportunity to get through your neighborhoods. We’ll be there.”

If a street in the City of Pittsburgh has not been plowed within 24 hours after the snow has stopped, call 311.

Salt trucks were loading up at Allegheny County’s DPW.

A total of 28 trucks will be treating and clearing roads Sunday night and Monday for as long as it takes.

“Our drivers will be working on double shifts so that’ll give us 24-hour coverage throughout the day, and we will not stop until all Allegheny County roads are clear,” said Allegheny County DPW Director Stephen Shanley.

The DPW is reminding drivers to keep a good distance between their car and plows. They recommend to keep a distance of at least six car lengths.

Residents can learn which entity is responsible for removing snow from a specific roadway by visiting Who Plows My Road at http://alleghenycounty.us/whoplowsmyroad.

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