NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — Metro Public Works is responsible for clearing 1,800 miles of roadway when it snows.
Each street on the snow removal list is classified as a primary or secondary route.
"We stick to our primary routes until we feel like we've got in them in good shape," said Gary Clouse, a supervisor at Metro Public Works.
Primary roads, including Lebanon Pike, Dickerson Pike and Murfreesboro Pike, are prioritized because they often lead to hospitals or the central business district.
Currently, crews are plowing and salting. They have been out since 5:30 a.m. Sunday morning running 12-hour shifts, which the department said will continue through the upcoming weekend because of more winter weather.
"[The biggest challenge] has got to be the wave after wave. Once you feel like you've got the roads right... you feel like you've almost got on top of them... like yesterday we had another two batches come in," Clouse said.
Once the primary and secondary routes are cleared, the city answers requests on a first-come, first-served basis.
The department asks residents to continue to be patient during the ice and storms.
"We'd really like to have some sunshine. Believe it or not, in 35 minutes to an hour with sunlight, even if it's still cold, it makes a big difference in what we do," Clouse said.
