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Snow plow operators hit the streets

Page Last Updated: Monday December 7, 2009 12:00am PST

Victoria Campbell, News 4

Dozens of snow plows hit the roads Sunday afternoon as snow began to fall in the Truckee Meadows, and by Monday afternoon, they were covering many of the same roads repeatedly because the snow kept falling.

Most are working 12-hour shifts to keep roads open.

"We get the street cleared, and then we turn right back around and do it again," said Darrel Ellis, streets manager for the City of Reno's Public Works Department. "It's imperative to keep Priority One streets open for safety reasons."

Priority One streets are those that offer emergency access for police, fire and hospitals. Streets like McCarran Boulevard, Virginia Street, Mill Street and Robb Drive are considered Priority One streets in Reno. After those streets are clear, road crews move on to Priority Two and Three streets, including school zones and residential areas.

But keeping up with snow was just one challenge that awaited road crews today. Washoe County's Roads Department saw $3.1 million cut from its budget in the past 18 months. More than a dozen workers were cut from the department along with some equipment.

"It's not business as usual," said Bill Oroszi, Director of Roads for Washoe County. "We have to schedule, prioritize and manage our resources more prudently than ever before.

"Our folks are dedicated, and they're doing the best they can. People need to have patience with us. We'll get to them as soon as we can."

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