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The Hop faces first winter durability test during first snowfall

Posted at 8:38 PM, Jan 18, 2019
and last updated 2019-01-18 23:15:08-05

The City of Milwaukee's Department of Public Works said it has up to 350 pieces of equipment ready to be deployed during snowfall Friday night into Saturday morning.

"We're paying very close attention to those weather forecasts, because obviously that effects how we deploy our operations," said Jeff Polenske, Commissioner of Public Works.

"Our equipment operators are all in place and ready to deploy at the time we feel is necessary," he added.

Polenske said city crews have already been laying down salt brine on area roads over the last couple of days.

During the snowfall, crews are expected to rotate in and out for 12 hour shifts to keep the city's roads clear.

Polenske said the DPW will focus on plowing major thoroughfares like Capitol Drive and Fond du Lac Avenue before moving on to residential streets.

"We're asking people to be patient," he said.

This weekend's snowfall could also be the first significant one since The Hop officially began operating Downtown.

"Obviously the streetcar is a part of our plan," Polenske said. "We have a broom we'll be operating on those streets to keep that track zone clear."

Richard Dollhopf, Milwaukee's Parking Enforcement Manager, said alternate side parking will be in effect on Saturday night and possibly Sunday night.

"(Friday) is a regular, default parking night," Dollhopf said. "Which means follow the regular rules."