In the wake of two major snowstorms that blanketed the state recently, it became painstakingly apparent that side roads aren’t even a consideration when snow plows are sent out on their rounds.
Unfortunately for many residents who live in newer neighborhoods off of these side roads, it makes getting around that much more difficult, if not impossible.
I was amazed on how the well-traveled roads were perfectly cleared and dried, while the secondary roads were reduced to one-lane traffic with deep, snow-packed ruts.
That later turned to dismay as my normally 15 minute commute to work turned to 45 because of a disabled car in the road and I had to take an alternate route. Returning home on the alternate road because there was yet another disabled car on my normal route, I had to stop for a disabled vehicle on my alternative route. I could’ve walked home at that point but there was nowhere to leave my car. So I waited until a good Samaritan pulled it out of the snow bank where it was embedded.
Now to the crux of the matter — these side roads should not be ignored.
Many times throughout the county, these roads connect major roads that benefit from frequent plowings. In my case, and probably quite a few in the county, a simple figure eight pattern driven before the snow reaches two-feet could prevent much of the poor driving conditions that we’ve experienced lately.
Talking with friends from upstate New York, it sounds as if road crews make a couple of passes along all the roads to make sure they’re level. That way, the roads are at least passable. People can drive on snow, they just have to drive slower. But when there’s only one lane with deep ruts, it increases the chances that someone will get stuck.
These side roads also are part of school bus routes. I know of at least half-dozen buses that pass along one of the above mentioned roads.
It would be nice if road crews and school officials would work closely together to make sure bus routes are cleared along with the major byways. That way our young people could spend a little more time in school and a little less at home because the buses can’t pass along their bus routes.
I think any parent would say amen to that.
The current snow plan sadly needs to be revised so that side roads are included in initial snow removal efforts.
It can be done. It just might take a little work.
Melissa Steele is the editor of The Beacon. She can be reached melissa@milfordbeacon.com.
Milford, Del. —
