Road crews are ready for the snow

A harsh wind is blowing in from the north, and it’s plowing season again.

The dark clouds have descended and it’s only a matter of time before the snow piles up.

“It’s our first major snow storm of the season,” said Corey Farkas.

Clearing roads in our area, presents some challenges and the wind won’t do these crews any favors.

Farkas said, “As we plow the roads and the wind comes in, it can blow that snow right back over the roads,”

And the county crews have an additional challenge to deal with.

Troy Wiitala tells us what it is, “The eastern county and the open spaces.”

Wiitala told us that the other area of responsibility for them that can be difficult are the side roads through Ute Pass.

But the trucks are being loaded with sand and de-icer – important tools to battle mother nature.

For both the city and county the plan is in place and the trucks – and the crews that man them – will soon be ready to roll.

El Paso County has two shifts. Wiitala said, “B-shift will cover the evening hours and they’ll be back at 11 a.m. tomorrow.”

Colorado Springs also features two shifts. They’ll also be going non-stop.

“Our “p.m. crews” came in at noon today. Our “a.m. crews” know that there is a shift change scheduled for midnight,” said Farkas.

The problem? No mater how ready they are, driving around the area will be difficult Tuesday morning.

But whether it’s city or county, these crews have the same mission.

“We all have the same goal, which is to get the snow off the roads and make them as safe as we can,” said Wiitala.

So that you can stay safe from the storm.