Connellsville road crews stay on top of snow-covered streets
CONNELLSVILLE – School closings and the observance of President’s Day by some government offices and businesses kept traffic on the light side Monday, allowing road crews to clear city streets. By noon, most major throughways were passable, but the snow took its toll on those manning the plows and salt trucks.
“I’ve been plowing snow for almost 18 hours,” said Vernon Ohler, city street foreman, as he took a lunch break on Monday.
The five-man crew had been alternating schedules to allow for 24-hour maintenance since the storm began early Sunday.
With the main arteries cleared, Ohler was asking that homeowners in residential areas with street parking move their vehicles to one side of the road and allow for plowing and then alternate the pattern.
“Some of the roads are so narrow, and with people parking on both sides, all we’re able to do is make a path,” he said. “If they would get together, we’d be able to do a better job.”
Police Chief Stephen Cooper said calls to the department were for the most part inquiries concerning road conditions and if there were any restrictions concerning travel.
“We’ve really been lucky,” he said.
“With the schools being closed, the banks and post office, it has allowed the street department to get the roads cleared.”
Officers did respond to the former Spagnol Lumber Co. along Route 201 after learning that a large portion of the roof had collapsed.
Cooper speculated that the abundance of snow coupled with gusting winds caused the downing of the structure.
“We didn’t know anything about it until we received a telephone call from Traft Construction,” said Cooper. “We’re not sure just exactly when it happened.”
In neighboring Bullskin Township, a spokesman said road workers had been out most of the day on Sunday and returned very early Monday to resume clearing the additional snow accumulations.
“This was really a major storm, but I think we’re doing pretty good,” said the unidentified worker.
South Connellsville Mayor Pete Casini imposed a state of emergency to restrict traffic and allow municipal workers to clear the roads.
“We’re fighting an uphill battle, but I think we’re winning,” he said.
In addition to snowfall, Casini said workers were encountering drifting snow that would at times close off streets.
“I know they’ve been out on Youghiogheny Street three times because the snow has drifted it shut,” he said.
Casini said he expected to lift the mayoral emergency decree on Wednesday.
In addition to snow, Dunbar Township workers were contending with downed equipment.
“It hasn’t been easy, but we’re doing alright with all things being considered,” said Tom Yekel, supervisor chairman, noting three trucks were in the garage for repairs.
Township workers had worked throughout Sunday with the remaining road equipment in order to keep up with the snowfall, but stopped for a few hours early Monday before returning to work.
“I just hope this is it for a while,” said Yekel.