Richland Roads Crew Plans for Snowy, Icy Evening

As the midday sun shone brightly, the workers who plow and salt Richland Township's roads were inside, eating lunch and watching KDKA weatherman Dennis Bowman on TV as he gave his forecast for the winter storm moving into the area this evening.

Their trucks already were filled with salt.

Public Works Superintendent Jerry Reichart is a veteran of watching weather reports in anticipation of sending out the trucks to clear 62 miles of township roads.

"We're in good shape as far as having enough salt, and our equipment is in good shape," said Reichart.

But what he really wants is to get a few messages out:

"Please don't park on the street" is at the top of the list.

"Don't shovel your snow onto the street, especially when it's cold like this," he continued. "It refreezes and causes problems for us and other people."

The third message? "We'll do our best to keep the roads clear so you can be safe."

Just last night, the six-man crew was out clearing roads for seven or eight hours after already working a full day's shift, said Reichart.

"You never heard a gripe, groan or moan," he continued.

Today, they are all back at work, getting prepared to work through the night as the National Weather Service predicts a winter storm will move into the area around 7 p.m. with freezing rain, sleet and snow.

The crew members will be back out, each driving his 10-mile route. 

"They all take pride in what they do," Reichart said. "They try to do the best they can."