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<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br />December 9, 2013 <br /> <br />CONTACT: Kevin Finney, Incident Commander, 541-682-4800 <br /> <br />From Public Information Section, 541-682-5523 or 541-954-2938 <br /> <br />FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE <br /> <br /> <br />Many Eugene Streets Passable But Covered with Packed Snow and Ice <br />Eugene Public Works made some headway on clearing packed snow and ice from priority <br />routes on Monday. But most roadways remain covered with packed snow and ice, and Tuesday <br />morning’s commute will probably be a repeat of Monday morning’s conditions. <br />“Even though these aren’t desirable conditions, many streets in Eugene are drivable, even <br />those with packed snow and ice,” said Public Works Public Affairs Manager Eric Jones. Safe driving <br />tips include going slow, leaving plenty of stopping distance, and taking it easy on turns. Chains are <br />advised, particularly on vehicles being driven in the south hills. An emergency parking ban on <br />priority routes remains in effect and will be evaluated on a day-to-day basis. <br />Public Works crews have been able to get portions of major routes down to bare pavement, <br />and they will continue to plow streets where the packed snow is breaking up. <br />However, on most streets the continuing deep freeze does not allow for effective plowing <br />because the packed ice has adhered to the frozen asphalt below. The department uses plow blades <br />with rubber edges to protect underground utility vaults, traffic loops, paving markings and other <br />surface elements that are part of an urban roadway. Instead, the department will treat icy surfaces <br />with sand for traction and wait for the packed ice to loosen up so it can be plowed off the street. <br />Since the weather event began on Dec. 6, crews have put down more than 500 cubic yards <br />of sand. More than 650 personnel hours have been logged, and response expenditures to date <br />exceed $75,000. <br />For additional information about the ice-snow emergency, go to www.eugene-or.gov/snow. <br />To report hazardous situations in the public rights of way, call 541-682-4800 or online at <br />www.eugene-or.gov/pwservice. Requests for service will be responded to based on public safety <br />priorities and availability of resources. <br /># # # <br /> <br /> <br />Public Works Administration ● City of Eugene ● 101 E. Broadway, Suite 400, Eugene, OR 97401 <br />Phone 541-682-8421 ● Fax 541-682-6826 ● www.eugene-or.gov/pw <br />