City Crews Battle Snow and Winds - Reminder to Keep Salem Moving!

Tuesday, January 29, 2008

Contact:

Mike Gotterba Emergency Preparedness/Communications Manager City of Salem Public Works Department 503-588-6211, mgotterba@cityofsalem.net

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

City Crews Battle Snow and Winds—Reminder: Keep Salem Moving!

On Monday morning, Salem was blanketed by its first "snow day" of 2008. City road crews were ready, and their fast action helped Salem motorists reach their destinations for work, school, and shopping.

City officials closely monitor weather forecasts, and decided by midnight that ice and snow were on the way. By 2:00 a.m., a crew of twelve was ready with snow plows, along with equipment to spread sand, gravel, and ice dissolving agents. The priority was to keep open key bridges and arterials, ensuring that morning commute traffic would not get bogged down.

This first snow call of 2008 went well, reports Mark Becktel, Transportation Services Manager in Salem's Public Works Department: "This time, Mother Nature didn't catch us off guard."

Despite the City's fast response, things didn't go without a slip. Around town, there were numerous minor accidents, and a seven-car pileup on Eola Drive NW.

Keeping traffic moving will also be the subject of an upcoming public forum. Salem Mayor Janet Taylor will be hosting a Mayor's Forum on Wednesday, January 30, 2008, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the Salem Conference Center. The forum will focus on finding solutions for repairing deteriorating streets and bridges throughout Salem. Community members will be asked to share their priorities for reconstruction projects and safety improvements citywide.

To find out more, visit the Keep Salem Moving! website at www.cityofsalem.net/keepsalemmoving.html or contact Mike Gotterba at 503-588-6211 or mgotterba@cityofsalem.net.  

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