More than snow keeps snowplow drivers busy Friday
Just because little snow fell in most of Colorado Springs on Friday doesn’t mean that street crews had an easier shift.
Plow drivers remained busy applying salt and sand to roads and streets to keep them from forming ice dangerous to traffic.
The city’s Streets Division began a full call-out shift at 1:30 a.m. Friday. One of the drivers was Robert Avila, a 15-year plowing veteran who allowed a KRDO Newschannel 13 crew to ride with him.
Avila’s route includes South Academy Boulevard and Proby Parkway to the airport.
“We’ll apply ice melt along the entire route,” he said. “And repeat the process to ensure that ice doesn’t form. Drivers get training but a lot of what we do is instinctive — knowing when and where to apply, and how much.”
Avila said because of the additional work, plow drivers can be busier than they are after a heavy snowfall.
“But I love this job,” he said. “I just hope people will see how important this is and give us enough room to do the job safely and effectively.”
Drivers generally work 10- to 12-hour shifts after a storm and are prepared for more duty tomorrow after being on standby during Christmas Day.
