In response to yesterday’s snowstorm the City continues treating roadways. The Streets Department expanded its snow operations to a full deployment of all City forces and equipment. Crews worked overnight to treat primary and secondary streets, and bridges and residential streets in areas of high elevation. Crews were also deployed to commence salting and plowing in residential neighborhoods citywide.   

Salting and plowing operations will continue throughout today. A majority of city streets have been treated.  There are more than 300 pieces of snow equipment on the roadways and approximately 1,000 tons of salt have been used to treat roadways. The focus now is to treat areas of the city where snow accumulations were higher and re-treat areas where ice has accumulated, and slippery spots have formed.  

To assist with snow operations, Sanitation crews and vehicles were diverted to snow duty. Therefore, all trash and recycling collections have been suspended for today, Thursday, December 17th. Residents whose normal trash day is today must hold materials for Friday pick up and Friday’s materials will be collected on Saturday. To avoid vehicles getting stuck in the snow in driveways there will be no rear driveway collections. Residents must set their materials out for curbside pickup in the front of homes only.  Although crews are expected to resume collections on Friday, residents should expect delays as crews navigate in the snow. Residents are reminded the City’s six Sanitation Convenience Centers are open Monday through Saturday, 8a-6p. Visit www.philadelphiastreets.com for locations.    

Our goal is to make roads passable and return the city back to normal operations as quickly as possible. City forces will continue snow operations until all conditions are safe for travel.  As crews will continue treating roadways today, residents can begin submitting requests to 311 on Friday, December 18th.   

Reminders  

• Do not shovel or plow snow into the street. This practice is illegal, unsafe and hinders snow operations.   
• Clear a sidewalk path at least 36” wide (3ft) within 6 hours of the end of the storm.   
• Clear snow from neighborhood sewer drains to allow melting snow to drain.  
• Clear snow from around fire hydrants.   
• Clear a path leading to the street on ADA curb ramps and at corners 
• Motorists should allow extra time, exercise patience and maintain safe driving distances.