Following a severe 10-inch snowfall and subsequent deep freeze last winter, Knox County and the City of Knoxville have taken steps to improve their readiness.
When it comes to snow and ice removal, Knox County’s winter weather budget is usually discretionary. To be cautious rather than sorry, the county made additional chemical and equipment investments this year after last winter.
We did purchase some equipment, but several of our smaller trucks lacked insert boxes. In an attempt to reduce the salt brine situation’s temperature effectiveness, we also purchased a few more chemicals.
Jim Snowden, Senior Director of Engineering for Knox County Public Works, stated, “We did implement a couple of things that we feel we should be able to assist, heaven forbid we get another snow like we got last year.”
East Tennessee learned a lot from the previous winter.
“We recently discovered how difficult timing is. To pinpoint the best time, we simply need to pay close attention to every snow and weather report that is released. Additionally, you should sort of anticipate the unexpected.
We spent so much time here that we learned a little bit more. How we can provide our operators with breaks to ensure road safety? According to Rachel Butzler, director of the City of Knoxville Public Service Department, “They needed to return and rest and things like that.”
This winter, Knox County advises people to use patience, preparation, and common sense.
When it snows, we ask that people give us some time to clear portions of the roads. If you are able, please help us out and try to stay away from those areas, as it may be quite difficult for our guys to maneuver around other vehicles.
Of course, our sole purpose is to assist people. Snowden continued, “We just want to make sure we give the best service we possibly can because we will have guys here every hour until the snow is off the road.”
Plans for snow in Knoxville and Knox County specify which routes must be plowed first.
Knox County spent over $3 million on those snow days last winter. It simply depends on how severe the weather gets this winter.