City of Pueblo says it underestimated snowfall

A late decision and snowy conditions made for challenging driving conditions in Pueblo Friday.

Drivers said Santa Fe Hill is usually a tough stretch for drivers in snowy weather, but with untreated roads, they say it’s that much more difficult.

“It’s horrible actually. It’s rather hard to get up the hill because it’s so steep,” Pueblo resident Royce Martinez said.

Santa Fe Hill wasn’t the only difficult drive. Joplin Ave. and 4th Street also caused problems for drivers.

“We had about 15 cars backed up right here on the hill,” said Carlos Madrid.

“Up on the hill, I saw two cars go up it and start sliding backwards and hit the curb,” said Sergio Mercado.

Most of the roads in Pueblo were wet, slushy and snow-covered for most of the day. Pueblo Public Works Director Earl Wilkinson said crews got off to a late start.

“We were not anticipating this amount of snow. We were maybe expecting around an inch. Typically, we get the lower end of what is forecasted,” he said.

Wilkinson said by the time all the plows were able to hit the roads, the snow intensified.

“The challenge is it hit during our commuter time. Anytime we have a snowstorm that really picks up during commuter hours, it’s more difficult,” he said.

Drivers say they also didn’t expect the storm to pick up so quick.

“I wasn’t nearly expecting this much, I woke up and saw all this snow and it was surprising,” said Mario Rice.

The dicey road conditions led to accidents in Pueblo. There was one on 8th Street and I-25, along with a driver sliding off on Santa Fe Hill.

Martinez helped one of the drivers get up Santa Fe Hill when she slid off.

“It’s all about having a good heart and trying to help people,” he said.

Wilkinson said crews will be out until Saturday morning to clear the roads.