Winter Weather Update: December 5, 2007

Madison - The Mayor's office met with the leaders of the Streets, City Engineering, Parks, Building Inspection and Metro Transit agencies today to review the latest issues related to winter weather cleanup and ensure that city staff are properly prepared for tomorrow's expected snowfall. Mayor Dave Cieslewicz personally inspected a number of streets in Madison and surrounding communities this morning. Streets Division staff continue working around the clock to clear the 1700 lane miles of primary and secondary roadways throughout the city. Salting and sanding operations are also ongoing. Some 500 tons of salt were applied to city streets last night. In addition, crews are now using front-end loaders and dump trucks to remove accumulated snow that is hampering visibility on city streets and at intersections. City workers from City Engineering and Parks are also continuing to clear sidewalks, bridges and other areas. As referenced in previous updates, free sand is available for Madison residents at locations throughout the city. There has been heavy demand for sand, resulting in some distribution locations temporarily running out. The Streets Division is working to get each of those sites replenished as quickly as possible. Madison residents are encouraged to assist their neighbors by volunteering with the Senior Home Chore Program which has been referenced in previous updates. There has been a heavy demand for this assistance, and additional volunteers are needed to assist seniors in need of assistance with shoveling and ice removal. "Every available city resource is being used to plow, salt, sand and remove snow," said Mayor Cieslewicz. "We are working diligently to bring the condition of city streets up to the standards that Madisonians expect, even during difficult winter weather. I want to thank the city crews who have been working long, difficult hours since last weekend to get the job done." Residents and businesses with questions or concerns about their street conditions can contact the Streets Division at 246-4532 (East), or 266-4681 (West). Complaints regarding sidewalk cleanup can be directed to Building Inspection at (608) 266-4551. Comments on any issues can also be submitted via the Report-a-Problem website: http://www.cityofmadison.com/reportAProblem.