The Erie Streets Bureau is busy getting ready for the first potential snowfall of the season. This week, the department bought 500 tons of salt, which will be used to treat the city’s roads.

“We’re ready for whatever is going to happen,” said Erie Streets Bureau Chief Billy Wegelin.  “Hopefully, we do not see what we saw last November.”

According to Wegelin, the department has been busy all week calibrating and preparing the city’s salt spreaders and plow trucks.

“I have eight salt spreaders that are ready to go right now and then four other ones with the wing plows on them that will be out on the main runs.” said Wegelin.

In the case of a snow event, the department will salt and brine the streets first.

If snow starts to accumulate, the plow trucks will start targeting the main routes, then move into the side streets and neighborhoods.

Wegelin encourages everyone to follow odd/even parking regulations.

“That’s very important to follow the odd/even because our plows can’t get through if there are people parked on both sides of the road,” said Wegelin.  “We really appreciate it, and it helps us out a lot, if people would follow the odd/even during the week.”

Wegelin also offers additional advice for drivers to follow throughout the winter.

“Put snow tires on your vehicle so you don’t get stuck if there is a lot of snow,” said Wegelin.  “Just try to stay out of the way of the trucks.”