Omaha, Nebraska – After a significant snowfall overnight in Omaha, the Public Works department has been actively managing the city’s roads to ensure safety and accessibility. Austin Rowser, the assistant director of transportation for Omaha Public Works, provided insights into the ongoing efforts and the challenges faced by the city in the wake of the snowstorm.
According to Rowser, the weather has been cooperative, and city crews have been diligently working nonstop since Friday to manage the aftermath of the snowstorm. One of the key preventive measures taken was the application of brine to the roads. This solution helps prevent ice from bonding to the pavement, thus reducing the risk of accidents and making it easier for plows to clear the snow.
Throughout the night, plows focused primarily on clearing the main roads. At the same time, private contractors began plowing residential streets as early as 3 a.m., followed by city crews who spread salt to melt the remaining snow and ice. Rowser mentioned, “You may not see that much overnight, but tomorrow, when the sun comes back out, that salt will start to work.” This statement indicates an expectation of improved conditions as the salt takes effect with the aid of sunlight.
Despite these efforts, some drivers still found the road conditions challenging, particularly on residential streets. Leia Widmark, a local resident, commented on the difficulty of driving around, noting that it was “a little drifty everywhere.” Another resident, Lydy Walker, experienced her car sliding slightly during a U-turn, though she felt the overall conditions were manageable.
The Public Works department is not only focusing on the current snow but also preparing for future weather events. Rowser explained the concept of “residual salt,” where leftover salt on the roads acts as a pre-treating element for the next storm. This approach helps in managing subsequent snowfalls more effectively.
However, there are concerns about the effectiveness of the salt treatment at extremely low temperatures. Rowser clarified that as long as pavement temperatures remain above 15 degrees, the salt will work efficiently. In cases where it’s too cold and the salt might not be effective for residential roads, the city plans to use sand to provide traction and improve road safety.
