Weekend storm affects drivers on hills

Eighth Street, Austin Bluffs Parkway and Fillmore Street have one thing in common — steep hills that, when covered with ice and snow, can be difficult for drivers to navigate.

One driver discovered that Sunday when she was unable to make it over the Eighth Street hill. About halfway up, her vehicle’s wheels began spinning. A passing tow truck driver came to her aid.

The tow truck driver said it’s something he’s seen many times during the weekend storm.

“Most vehicles that can’t make it over hills in this weather don’t have good tires or all-wheel drive,” he said.

David Scalfri, operations manager for the city’s Streets Division, said crews use a team approach to clear steep hills.

“We put plows (on) the (entire) width of the roadway, on a diagonal, (so) they plow and (apply sand and salt) in one pass,” he said.

Scalfri said after that, crews will continue to monitor treated areas and will repeat the approach if necessary.