ALLENTOWN, Pa. – Even weeks after the major snowstorm we got in January, there’s still plenty of snow removal to be done.
Allentown Public Works crews were working on N 6th St. Monday to get parking spots cleared, right outside Justice Hayes’ house.
“That’s my first time seeing one of those,” said Hayes.
Hayes said whether you’re walking or trying to find a parking spot, the snow has made things difficult.
“It’s way worse than the previous years, like I ain’t going to lie, it’s probably one of the worst years we’ve had,” said Hayes.
Chief Maintenance Supervisor Matt Hoffman said it’s worse because all this snow just won’t melt.
“Because of the freezing temperatures over the last two, three weeks, Mother Nature hasn’t done its job either,” said Hoffman. “We do have 420 miles of roadway that we have to take care of. So, it’s a lot.”
He said they have to turn to giant snow suction devices.
“We have front-end loaders that we put snow blowers on the front, and that’s probably the most efficient way that we can get rid of the snow. It shoots it right into the back of the dump trucks,” said Hoffman.
Hoffman said the City has a priority system for roadways, so if they haven’t reached yours yet, just give it time.
“Our main focus is the schools and the hospitals, and then whatever we can get afterwards then we’ll get to,” said Hoffman.
Hayes said he’s just thankful they got to his road on Monday.
“Definitely a blessing to see them out here finally getting the snow up, help the community,” said Hayes.
We also learned the public works department has changed up their tactics a bit. A little over a week ago, they had an issue, clearing a street right after midnight and waking up neighbors. Hoffman told us they’re not doing that anymore. They’re only operating now between 7 a.m. and 11 p.m.