Over nine more inches of snow fell throughout the weekend in Wrangell, and plow operations have continued clearing the roads since last week’s storm.
Tom Wetor, Public Works Department director, said if you don’t have to be on the road, then avoid driving. And if you are, take precaution, such as driving with studded tires or use a 4-wheel drive vehicle.
“Last week we pulled 20 people out of snow berms,” he said. “That just slows down the whole process.”
He said there are three priority roads they focus on first.
Priority roads Public Works focuses on
This includes Wood Street to ensure entryway to the hospital, then access to the public safety building and fire department, and then roads near the schools.
After that, it’s the main thoroughfares, like Church and Front Streets, then the side roads and then city-owned parking lots. Sidewalks are further down the list, even though technically they’re the property owners’ responsibility.
Wetor said the Public Works crew is working hard and they’re doing what they can while the snow continues to fall.
“This is way more snow than what we normally get,” he said. “And we do have a fairly inexperienced crew, at least at Public Works, but we’re on it. We’re working but this is more snow that we’ve had in many years, and so I think people just need to be patient with the process.”
Sonny Mauricio, with the state Department of Transportation, said the airport is top priority to keep plowed to make sure planes can land and depart safely. Additionally, he said there is only one plow focusing on the highway system.
State Department of Transportation priority roads
The priority roads include Airport Road, Bennett Street, the ferry terminal and the 13 and a half miles of Zimovia Highway. He said it’s really important for residents to shovel berm and driveway snow onto their own property.
“We always recommend not to shovel the berm or any snow into the main road just because it can cause an area that that would be hazardous for other vehicles coming down the road,” Mauricio said.
He said drivers can keep others safe while supporting plow operations by slowing down for winter conditions, turning headlights on and giving distance between all vehicles. This includes giving about 10 car lengths behind snow plows and avoid passing them.
