(BEAVER DAM) Snowplow crews in Beaver Dam have been working since the early morning hours as a powerful winter storm continues to dump heavy snow across the area.
Beaver Dam Department of Public Works Foreman Clint Pieper says crews were out by 3 a.m. Monday and every piece of equipment the department has is on the road trying to keep up with the storm.
The steady snowfall has made the work difficult.
“It’s heavy snow, so it’s tough for some of the equipment to push,” Pieper said.
Crews expect to remain out plowing through the evening, likely until around 6 or 7 p.m., as they continue working to clear major routes and neighborhood streets. Even with the long hours, Pieper said crews have not yet reached every road.
“We’re trying,” he said. “We’re doing the best we can.”
Pieper is urging people to stay home if possible because road conditions remain dangerous.
“Roads are quite sketchy at best,” he said.
Once the storm passes, crews will continue cleanup efforts Tuesday, focusing on clearing the downtown area and other streets that still need attention.
The cold temperatures expected through midweek could also slow progress. Pieper said roads may remain slick until at least Wednesday because the cold weather delays how quickly salt can activate and begin melting ice.
City officials are also asking drivers to keep vehicles in driveways rather than parking on the street so plows can move through neighborhoods more easily.
“It makes our job much easier when we don’t have to drive around parked vehicles,” Pieper said.
With more cleanup ahead, public works crews say they will keep working until the city’s streets are fully cleared.
