SCRANTON, LACKAWANNA COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — Many people avoid being outside when the temperature drops, but some people can’t avoid it. Workers could be seen bundled up and braving the chilling temperatures in the Electric City.

28/22 News reporter Connor Coar spoke with them and has more from Scranton.

Crews are continuing to work on streets and sidewalks, even during the chilling temperatures. For many workers in downtown Scranton, it is mind over matter when working in frigid conditions.

“It is awful out here. No, can’t do it.” Darren Burrows, of Clarks Summit, voiced. “You just want to stay home. It’s not worth waking up sometimes, but you’ve got to do it. You’ll bundle up as much as you can, but sometimes it’s still not enough, and then you can’t move.”

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Between working and staying warm, Burrows found himself burying his hands in the heat vents of his car.

One crew member, 28/22 News spoke with at a different work site, said he had four layers and a heated vest on, but could still feel his body shaking while working.

Crews could also be found on Scranton’s streetscape projects at the corners of Wyoming Avenue and Biden Street and Adams Avenue and Linden Street.

Work was also underway at the bridge next to Green Ridge Plaza, with winds whipping around.

“If you’re busy and moving constantly, you don’t really stop to think about it sometimes.” Donnie Williams of Central City said. “You don’t even really realize, and then you stop and get a second, you’re like, ‘man, I’m a lot colder than I thought.’”

Burrows tells 28/22 News he prefers one season over the other.

“Well, I pave during the summer. In the winter, they keep us busy. Normally it’s a layoff, but definitely the warm. Anything with the warm, nothing with the cold. I’d stay away.”

Burrows says the cold is affecting him. He says his joints are stiff, and his body won’t move.

Even with all the layers, workers in downtown Scranton can feel Jack Frost nipping at their noses and would love to see the cold weather go away.

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