As Pittsburgh prepares for its first snowfall of the season, the City’s Department of Public Works announced a major upgrade to its winter‑response capabilities. Public Works Director John McClory explained that the agency will operate 24‑hour, seven‑day coverage beginning the second week of December, ensuring that streets are cleared promptly for residents and commuters.
Expanded fleet and grant‑funded equipment
Last winter the department relied on 104 vehicles for snow removal. This year the fleet has grown to 125 units. The increase comes from retrofitting trucks originally used by the Parks Department with snow‑plow attachments and purchasing 15 brand‑new plows. The new equipment was made possible by a $2 million grant from the PNC Foundation.
Technology upgrades improve efficiency
Each snow‑plow truck will now be equipped with an iPad that runs specialized routing software. The system displays a live map of the streets assigned to each driver, changing colors as sections are cleared. “When they hit a street, the map updates in real time so they know exactly what’s been done and what still needs attention,” McClory said.
Training and readiness
McClory noted that crews have already begun training on the new equipment, practicing both with and without plows attached to the trucks. “We’ve been preparing already. The snow equipment’s been going on the trucks. They’ve been training with it on the trucks, plows, without plows,” he said. The department plans to start night shifts soon, giving the city continuous coverage throughout the winter months.
Looking ahead
While McClory acknowledged that no winter plan can be perfect, he expressed confidence that the expanded fleet, modern technology and round‑the‑clock staffing will keep Pittsburgh’s streets safe and passable. “I think we have a plan. Is it going to be perfect? No, nothing is perfect, but we’re going to learn from it,” he said.
Residents can expect more rapid snow‑clearing response times and clearer communication about road conditions as the department rolls out the new system. The city encourages drivers to stay informed through local news updates and the department’s social‑media channels during snow events.
Original reporting: WTAE (Hearst) – local — read the source article.
