Pittsburgh Winter Storm Cleanup: Latest Developments

PITTSBURGH, PA — With 25 city Department of Public Works employees off because of COVID-19 reasons, the department Thursday was attempting to clear the more than nine inches of snow that fell officially on Wednesday. Additional public works staff have been brought in to assist with snow removal and applying deicing materials for bridges, sidewalks and steps.

City residents attempting to keep track of when their street would be treated undoubtedly were frustrated when portion's of the Snow Plow tracker system malfunctioned. Approximately 14 trucks experienced interruptions in data reporting and were not visible on the tracker. The city is working with the software provider to resolve the issue.

Some city neighborhoods experienced recycling collections. Residents of the California-Kirkbride, Perry North, Observatory Hill, Perry Hilltop, Arlington, Mount Oliver and South Side Slopes neighborhoods should leave their recycling at the curb as crews will be working extended shifts to collect them through the remainder of the week.

City residents are asked to only use the roads when necessary and avoid cleaning cars and sidewalks into the street.

Outside of the city, PennDOT and the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission have lifted all vehicle and speed restrictions that had been previously enacted in response to Wednesday's storm.

PennDOT and the turnpike commission are continuing to clear and treat roadways, and are encouraging motorists to avoid all unnecessary travel. Drivers should also be extra cautious around operating snow-removal equipment.

Temperatures are expected to remain near or below freezing in southwestern Pennsylvania, and winds are expected. With freezing temperatures, roads that look wet may actually be icy, and extra caution is needed when approaching bridges and highway ramps where ice can form without warning.

If travel is necessary, PennDOT advises that motorists should reduce speeds, increase following distance and be aware of changing conditions.