By Sentinel Staff
Efforts to keep Sitka’s streets free of snow and ice were complicated this week when one of the city’s two sand spreaders broke down, the city announced Monday.
The critical vehicle will likely take a week to return to service, senior equipment operator Eric Todd told the Sentinel, noting that the transmission module is out of commission.
With frigid temperatures forecast to last through the week, Todd said much of the ice currently on roads will remain there until it melts.
“A lot of it is just going to have to melt. There’s no equipment big enough... We can scrape a lot of the high stuff off,” he said.
Many storm drains in town are currently blocked by snow and ice, he added. This means that when snow does melt, it has nowhere to drain and therefore refreezes as a sheet of ice on the road.
He asked Sitkans to be patient as the city works to keep roads drivable.
“Each day we have to make sure all the roads are open in town,” he said.
In a press release Monday, the city advised people to exercise caution while traveling.
“Pedestrians and vehicles should use caution on roads, sidewalks, and parking lots,” the city says. “Safe transportation preparedness includes snow tires and/or tire chains, ice and snow traction cleats (grippers), high visibility clothing and safe biking. Reduced speeds are highly recommended.”
