Pittsburgh Public Works Assures Most Snowy Roads Are Passable

Pittsburgh residents are facing challenges from the recent winter storm, which significantly impacted travel. Snow that fell on Saturday continued to affect conditions on Monday evening, particularly on neighborhood streets.

Pittsburgh Public Works Update on Snowy Roads

Although main roads in Pittsburgh are generally clear, many side streets remain covered in snow, frustrating many residents. Chole Shi, a resident of Oakland, noted, “It’s not unacceptable, but it’s obviously not the best case.”

Ongoing Challenges in Neighborhoods

Areas such as Brookline and Beechview are experiencing particularly hazardous conditions. Steep hills in these neighborhoods are packed with snow and ice, forcing drivers to navigate carefully or turn back. In Oakland and Squirrel Hill, both main and side streets are dealing with similar challenges.

Response from Public Works

Chris Hornstein, the Director of Public Works, reported that crews have been active since Saturday morning. They have deployed between 40 to 48 snow plows every 12 hours. Hornstein stated that more snowfall occurred than initially forecasted, stretching resources and delaying plowing in side streets.

• Crews have been working around-the-clock since Saturday at 10 a.m.
• 40 to 48 snow plows are operating every 12 hours.
• Heavy snowfall exceeded predictions, complicating clearing efforts.

Despite the challenging conditions, Hornstein emphasized that “the majority of the streets are what we call passable.” He understands that residents find this term frustrating but assures them that the streets can be navigated with caution. Narrow streets and parked vehicles continue to hinder the plowing process.

Encouragement for Resident Participation

The Department of Public Works encourages residents to report snow-covered streets by calling 311. Officials believe that the crews have done a commendable job in response to the storm. However, they urge patience from residents as crews work to clear the remaining snow.

In the meantime, drivers are advised to exercise caution while traversing the affected roads until all snow is cleared. El-Balad informs that ongoing assessments will help the Public Works determine the best course of action for continued snow removal efforts.