Just in time for a winter weather advisory for the Eugene area, Eugene Public Works received its latest equipment to help fight winter storms. Two new five yard dump trucks (which replace two older trucks without plows) with attached plows rolled into the Roosevelt Yard this week. They add to a growing fleet that now includes 14 vehicles that can be used to plow, sand or deice city streets and bike and pedestrian paths.
“It’s exciting to expand our snow and ice response capabilities to help respond to more extreme storms,” said Eric Johnson, Surface Operations Manager. “During the February 2018 snow storm, which blanketed the City with up to 24’ of snow, it was apparent that we needed more tools to battle the higher intensity, more frequent storms we’ve experienced over the last few years. Since then we’ve added four more plows and expanded our winter weather operations and training to make our city safer.”
Maintaining city streets during winter storm conditions is the responsibility of the Public Works Maintenance Division. During winter storm events crews follow the ice/snow emergency plan which is designed to keep the major thoroughfares of the transportation systems operational and safe during ice and snow events. The Public Works Parks and Open Space Division is responsible for responding to tree hazards.
The two new snowplows were purchased for $43,000 each. In addition to winter storm response, they will be used throughout the year for leaf pickup and delivery service, street maintenance and other maintenance related activities. Learn more about the City’s snow response.