Sand, Salt and Plows Ready for Oddball Storm

It remains to be seen how much snow will fall on Swampscott Monday night and into Tuesday but the Department of Public Works has its trucks and contractor call list ready.

DPW Director Gino Cresta said 14 DPW trucks are ready to go.

Crews start salting and sanding roads once the snow flies.

When a couple inches accumulate they start plowing their routes, he said.

The rule of thumb is four inches brings in outside help.  After four inches of snow the town calls in contractors to help plow, the director said. 

The timing of this storm could make driving difficult since the snow is forecasted to fall before and during the early commute.

There is also school to consider.

The DPW director typcially gets an early call — about 4 a.m. — from the superintendent of schools for a report on road conditions.

The department has a replenished supply of sand and salt and the plow blades are on the trucks.

Trouble spots for drivers typically include hilly areas, among them Greenwood Avenue, Millett Road, Burpee Road and Foster Road, the director said.