Crews Will Work Through the Night to Clear Snowy Streets in Eugene

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December 7, 2013 CONTACT: Eric Johnson, Incident Commander, 541-682-4800 From Public Information Section, 541-682-5523 or 541-954-2938 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Crews Will Work Through the Night to Clear Snowy Streets in Eugene Eugene Public Works crews will continue round-the-clock operation to plow and sand priority routes and tackle nearly impassable roads in the south hills area. Crews have been working since 4:30 a.m. Friday, when a major snowstorm and arctic cold front slammed into Eugene. During the day Friday a total of 7 inches of snow fell on the valley floor, prompting the City of Eugene to declare an ice-snow emergency. The ice-snow emergency remains in effect. Public Works officials will evaluate conditions on Sunday to determine if the snow emergency can be lifted. Until then, parking is prohibited on priority routes. A map showing these routes can be viewed at www.eugene-or.gov/snow. During the day Saturday, six crews plowed and sanded priority 1 routes such as Sixth and Seventh avenues, Coburg Road, Chambers Street and Franklin Boulevard and some priority 2 and 3 routes such as 11 and 18 avenues, Willamette Street, Brookside Drive and West 29 Avenue. As ththth of 3 p.m. today, all streets are open although travel is not recommended on steep streets in the south hills, particularly if drivers do not have traction devices and four-wheel drive. Although temperatures remained below freezing during the day on Saturday, crews were making headway on major thoroughfares as traffic broke up the packed snow and ice. Even if some roadways have been plowed to the pavement, drivers should use extreme caution and anticipate spots of ice. Since the incident began, crews have applied 275 cubic yards of sand and 1,200 gallons of liquid deicers to improve traction. Meanwhile, many of Eugene’s 538 miles of roadway have not been plowed or sanded. Crews will get to more priority 3 streets once the priority 1 and 2 routes have been stabilized. Many residential streets will remain snowy until temperatures warm up, possibly by mid-week. While Public Works takes care of the streets, residents can do their part to mitigate problems caused by the storm. If people are healthy enough to work outdoors, they can shovel sidewalks. Keep outdoor stairways are free if ice and snow. Check with neighbors to make sure they are safe. Cover outdoor faucets and plug foundation vents to keep pipes from freezing. # # # Public Works Administration ● City of Eugene ● 101 E. Broadway, Suite 400, Eugene, OR 97401 Phone 541-682-8421 ● Fax 541-682-6826 ● www.eugene-or.gov/pw