Lack of Snowfall Gives Plows a Break

DULUTH, Minn. — By this time last year, the ground was covered with snow and plows were out in full force, this year is a much different story.

With a lack of snow in the northland, Duluth’s Street Maintenance Department says this time serves as a way to catch up on much needed repairs and staffing issues.

After a record breaking snow fall last year, the team layed around 6,000 tons of blacktop during the summer.

Without snow to plow so far this year, the department says it can focus on other maintenance issues to prepare for when the snow does fly.

“As much as everybody likes winter and Duluth is a winter city, for the street maintenance department it’s being good for us just to be able to kind of take a breath and just kind of reallocate where we need people and staff,” said Geoff Vukelich, Street Maintenance Operations Coordinator.

While there isn’t severe snow fall quite yet, the rain comes with its own issues. The department is tackling ice by salting as soon as possible.

The break in weather is also giving the department time to give tips to members of the community.

“It is very dynamic what we do when we plow, so if you think you’ve been missed, I would also take a breath, we have limited amount of services posted on our website. So we will get to you, we will find you, there may be circumstances that you haven’t seen, like I said if a car is parked and by chance you come back out and that car is moved and we have already gone by, we will get that later,” said Vukelich.

When the snow does come–which it will–drivers are urged to remember winter driving 101. Slow down, stay back, and give the drivers plenty of room.