Snow Removal Ongoing Throughout The City

The Department of Public Works is making significant progress in the removal of approximately 11 inches of snow that blanketed the city just 48 hours ago. "The primary roads are about 60 percent complete," said Director Dexter White. By Thursday White said he expects the majority of the roads to be clear of snow, though ice may continue to present a problem as temperatures dip during evening hours.

White said while the focus is to continue clearing primary and secondary roads, city crews and three contracting companies are also plowing residential roads. They are working through neighborhoods using the city's solid waste collection routes. Solid waste collection has been delayed by one day to give crews a chance to plow the roads ahead of pick up schedules.

The city has been compared to neighboring counties with regard to snow removal. White said unlike those counties, Richmond is an urban setting made up of thousands of lane miles, including the primary, secondary and residential roads. "We have more traffic, as well as on-street parking in areas such as The Fan and the Museum District, which makes it more challenging than plowing rural roads and highways." In addition, he said the three major snowstorms that have rural roads and highways." In addition, he said the three major snowstorms that have pummeled Central Virginia since March 2009 have put a strain on the city's aging fleet, which has resulted in the need for more repairs and maintenance throughout storm clean-up efforts.

City officials are asking residents to be patient as resources are continuing to be deployed for this effort.

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