With the impending Winter Storm Watch in Richland County on New Year’s Day through Thursday morning, snow plow services will have their work cut out for them.
According to the National Weather Service in Cleveland, snow accumulations of two to three inches may occur on New Year’s Day. And by Thursday, the accumulation total could reach up to 10 inches.
Operation Supervisor with the Mansfield City Service Complex, John Yoha, explained how the street department prepares for snowstorms: “We have a map drawn up listing our first and second priorities.” He pointed to roadways like St. Rt. 42, St. Rt. 309, U.S. 30, Park Ave, and Lex Ave as being among first priorities. “Those are the roads we clear first so traffic can move through the city,” he said.
“And then we have second priorities that serve as main arteries throughout the city, like Cline Ave—those that get people through commercial areas. And finally there are zone streets, which are basically neighborhoods.”
When snowstorms occur, the department deploys 10-12 trucks to cover the 600 miles of roadways in Mansfield.
Also helping clear the streets for safe travel are the several snow removal services. Among those in the Mansfield area is Prestige Snow Plowing.
Office manager Danielle Boylan stated that the service responds when snow accumulation reaches about two inches. Prestige operates with two snow plow trucks. In addition to plowing, the service offers sidewalk shoveling and sidewalk salting.
Badamy’s Snow Plowing, another Mansfield business, offers snow removal and salting services for commercial locations, said owner Mike Badamy.
On a final advisory note, Yoha referred to the AAA site for winter driving tips.
