City Crews: Major progress with storm aftermath; 'We're out all day, will be working all night.'

Public Service Department crews that have been brining, plowing and salting snow-packed roads 24/7 since last weekend finally caught a break today: Temperatures crept above the freezing mark.

But the relief might be short-lived, with temperatures forecast to hit single digits again on Saturday and a wintry mix expected to hit East Tennessee later today.

“Today was the first day we had Mother Nature in our favor,” Public Service Director Chad Weth said. “We’ve replenished our salt supplies with 500 tons so far. Crews are plowing Level 1, 2 and 3 streets and getting into the neighborhoods – the major streets are passable at this point.

“But we’re treating tonight’s weather like a whole new storm. We’re out today as much as we can – plowing until 9 p.m. And then crews will be in all night to handle whatever we get in this latest round.”

Depending on incoming weather and road conditions Friday morning, City offices in the City County Building are anticipated to be open at 10 a.m. tomorrow.

However, with overnight refreezing and the likelihood of black ice, City officials urge caution. If you can stay off the roads, please do so.


OTHER SNOWSTORM-RELATED DEVELOPMENTS


• The Vestal United Methodist Church warming center is at full capacity, so guests are being transported to the more spacious South Knoxville Community Center, 522 Maryville Pike.

The City thanks the many volunteers and City employees, including City Parks and Recreation Department staff, who are keeping our neighbors warm and fed.

Warming centers are also open at Magnolia Avenue United Methodist Church and Cokesbury Church.

• Knoxville Area Transit on Thursday was operating using its Severe Snow Routes. That means service is only being provided during limited hours along the Kingston Pike, Western Avenue, Broadway, Magnolia Avenue and Chapman Highway routes.
 
Service levels on Friday will be determined by the severity of tonight’s weather. As of now, KAT hopes to operate tomorrow using Severe Snow Routes again, starting with the 11:15 a.m. lineups and ending with 8:15 p.m. lineups. Updates will be posted on KAT’s Facebook page, Twitter page and on www.KATbus.com.

• All programs at City recreation centers scheduled through Sunday have been cancelled or postponed. Some recreation centers are open, and others are closed, depending of staff availability. Please call ahead before you visit a location.

• Waste Connections crews and City downtown crews have been unable to collect residential trash and recyclables Monday through today. Waste Connections will not be running residential routes on Friday, either.

Any trash or recyclables not collected this week will be picked up on neighborhoods’ next regular pickup service day. Any overflow trash that doesn’t fit in the cart should be bagged and set next to the cart next week; overflow recyclables should be placed in a cardboard box or clearly-marked container next to the recycling cart on the resident’s next regular service day.

Do not put overflow recyclables in a plastic bag, as the bags are not recyclable and can damage the sorting equipment.

• City Court will not be in session the rest of this week, but employees able to safely get into the office will be available to help residents with questions about their court cases.


NON-EMERGENCY ISSUES

To report non-emergency issues needing attention, or to request non-emergency services, contact the 3-1-1 Center. For fastest and easiest access, use the My Knoxville app or go to www.KnoxvilleTN.gov/311.


MORE INFORMATION

Updates will be posted throughout the day on City social media sites.

• Facebook.com/CityofKnoxville
• Twitter.com/CityKnoxvilleTN
• Instagram.com/KnoxvilleCity