Propane, salt, milk and bread
By Rochelle Moore
Published in News on January 4, 2018 5:50 AM
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News-Argus/CASEY MOZINGO
Jesse Smith and his son Michael load a 100-pound tank of propane into their truck at Delmus' Hardware Wednesday as they prepare for the threat of snow and ice in the area.
City of Goldsboro snowplows and salt spreaders will be out on city streets responding to trouble areas as winter weather blankets the area.
The city's two snowplows are planned to hit more treacherous areas, including bridges, steep roadways and overpasses, after at least 3 inches of snow accumulates, said Rick Fletcher, Goldsboro public works director.
Five to six public works employees worked the night shift Wednesday, in an effort to monitor conditions and determine if salt needed to be applied to trouble roadways.
"We know we're going to get at least 3 inches," Fletcher said. "The accumulation has to get above 3 inches before we start plowing. We just do the problem areas."
The city's snowplows don't clear the roadways with less accumulation due to scrapers being nearly 2 inches off the ground to avoid damage to manhole covers and lids, Fletcher said.
The amount of snow will also determine whether city garbage trucks will operate on a two-hour delay today or if pickup will take place instead on Saturday. Friday trash pickup is planned to continue, as scheduled.
"We're going to play it by ear," Fletcher said.
Goldsboro police will also operate on normal schedules throughout the day and plan to call in any trouble areas to public works staff and the N.C. Department of Transportation, said Goldsboro Police Chief Mike West.
"At this point, we're not going to add any manpower," West said Wednesday. "As the storm unfolds, we'll readjust."
Police will continue to work in assigned areas of the city and will turn indoors, to area convenience stores or fire department buildings, if roadways become unsafe. Police will still respond to emergency calls, West said.
"We're going to monitor the streets," West said. "If people have to drive, do so cautiously and safely."
Goldsboro City Hall will operate on a two-hour delay today and will open at 10 a.m., said Randy Guthrie, assistant city manager.