Snow and ice can create major problems on the roadways, and when the forecast calls for winter weather, local crews need to prepare for the work that is ahead of them to keep roads safe.
Crews and trucks alike are ready at the Lima Public Works Department with salt loaded and crew members rested up. Making sure that not only the equipment is properly prepared but also the people who operate that equipment are good to go is a major part of getting everything together for stormy winter weather.
"As we’ve experienced these past couple of days, we work around the clock, so we make sure that we have a list that we go by and call down through that list to be sure that we have people that are fresh and not here 24 hours a day plowing or salting," said Warner Roach, Deputy Director for the Lima Public Works Street Division.
At the Allen County Engineer's Office, the trucks are loaded with salt and ready to go for the storm. County Engineer Brion Rhodes says that all that's left now is to wait to see what the storm does before taking action.
"We run night crews here - they are guys here at night watching the roads, watching the conditions, and if there's a change in weather, we have the guys come in earlier the morning and allow for the traffic to go through," said Rhodes.
And as the storm hits, one thing that both the city and the county urge drivers to do is to allow crews the space that they need to get the job done.
"The best thing to do is take it slow, and allow our crews to do their work and stay clear of the trucks, allow them plenty of space for their maneuvers," said Rhodes.
"If you don’t have to go out, don’t; give us a chance to get these roads clear and remember that we do our arteries first, it might take a little while to get to you, but we will get to you," Roach said.
