Snow removal efforts continue across the City this morning, with plowing and salting operations focused on residential streets early, and snow emergency routes later in the morning. There are several key pieces of information for you to know this morning:
PLOWING
The Civil and Snow Emergency orders were lifted last night at 10:00 p.m.
There may be some streets where only one (1) lane width is available for travel, so drivers are urged to be cautious and slow down. Those areas will be revisited and widened as conditions allow.
This snow event marks only the second time that City crews have been able to plow every street in the City. Typically, improving conditions help us do the work of clearing the roads – however, with this storm, conditions were so bad that plow operators ended up having to make pass after pass along the snow emergency routes.
We ask for patience as the unique wind and temperature conditions presented by this storm have made digging out more challenging than they otherwise would be. Even with all residential streets having been plowed, we don’t expect it to be “clear sailing” until Monday morning.
The City is tremendously thankful for our hardworking snow plow drivers. Their work is difficult and even dangerous, and the hours are very long. We appreciate them so very much.
WATER MAIN REPAIRS
Cold temperatures presented several other challenges for City crews, further complicating the snow removal process. Since snowfall began, there have been four (4) water main breaks:
Thursday morning – 6” water main break on Pearl St. at Fitzwater St. Ten (10) homes were affected by low water pressure. The break was repaired Thursday afternoon.
Friday morning – Water main break on College Ave. between Russel St. and Camden Ave. 20 homes were affected by low water pressure. The break was repaired on Friday afternoon.
Friday afternoon – Water main break on Lake St. at Mack and Tangier Streets. 20 homes were affected by low pressure. The break was repaired in the overnight hours Friday into Saturday.
Saturday morning – Water main break on Riverside Dr. between Riverview Ave. and W. College Ave. 25 homes affected with no water. Riverside Dr. is being closed in both directions between Riverview Ave. and W. College Ave., and a detour is established. Repairs are currently underway.
TRASH & RECYCLING
Residential trash and recycling will resume normal operations on Monday, January 8th. Residents whose trash and recycling were not picked up on Thursday the 4th or Friday the 5th will have their trash and recycling picked up on MONDAY wherever possible. Please note that some areas may be difficult for sanitation trucks to access trash cans. We appreciate everyone’s patience during this emergency.
POLICE CALLS FOR SERVICE
Since the beginning of the storm, SPD has answered 285 calls for service.
During the same period, SPD investigated 14 motor vehicle crashes, 2 of which involved personal injury.
SPD has assisted motorists with 129 disabled vehicles as a result of this storm.
FIRE HYDRANTS
The Salisbury Fire Department asks for your assistance in clearing snow from fire hydrants. If you have a hydrant along your section of sidewalk, the Fire Department kindly asks that you assist them by sweeping the snow away from the hydrant, to make it easier for them to find and access in case of emergency.
GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS/CITY OFFICES
At this time, barring any unforeseen issues, the City of Salisbury anticipates returning to normal hours of operation on Monday morning, January 8th. All City offices are expected to open at 8:30 that morning.
Again, the City appreciates your patience as we continue to dig out from this unprecedented snow event.
For service calls after normal business hours, please contact the Salisbury Police Department at 410-548-3165. For emergency situations, please dial 911 immediately.
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