Winter Storm Update from Eugene Public Works (2)

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Ice-Snow-Tree Event: Update as of 10 a.m. Thursday, March 22 Contact: Eric Jones, Public Affairs Manager, 541-954-2938 For Immediate Release Public Works operations are now entering a massive clean-up phase following 24 hours of emergency response to the heavy snow storm that hit the area early Wednesday, making streets treacherous for drivers, bringing down hundreds of trees, and knocking out power to thousands of homes. Emergency Parking Ban Lifted Effective immediately, the emergency parking ban on priority ice-snow routes has been lifted. The ban was established early Wednesday morning to ensure that emergency vehicles and Public Works plows and tree crews could travel safely around the city. Three plows worked through the night, and by Thursday morning all priority routes had been plowed at least once and bare pavement was reported in most locations. However, streets remain wet, and black ice was noted in a number of places, particularly on higher-elevation streets and local bridges and overpasses. Public Works crews responded by applying liquid deicers and sand; however, motorists are encouraged to be cautious. Public Works continues to assess and clear priority onstreet bike lanes. The safety of the public and city crews is the number-one goal as Public Works manages the event. Tree Work Continues Two Public Works crews worked through night and were able to respond to service calls in more than 60 locations in addition to more than 120 high-priority service calls handled during Wednesday’s day shift. That still leaves about 300 calls for service that Public Works will get to as soon as possible. A priority for today’s operations will be to assess and clear rights of way, including sidewalks, and the city’s bike path system. Public Works reminds property owners that they are responsible for dealing with broken trees and limbs and other storm damage on private property. Woody debris can be taken to commercial recyclers, including Lane Forest Products and Rexius. Who to Call  To report life-threatening emergencies, call 9-1-1.  To report hazardous accumulations of snow and ice and trees and limbs in the public way, including parks and the riverbank bike paths, call Eugene Public Works at 541-682-4800.  To report power outages, call EWEB at 541-484-2300.  To report other service outages such as telephone and cable TV service, contact the utility provider.