Worcester DPW Commissioner Explains Snowstorm Response, Parking Ban Enforcement, and Road Treatment Decisions

By-Hank Stolz

Photo-Radio Worcester

Worcester, MA- John Westerling, Commissioner of the Worcester Department of Public Works, praised DPW staff and more than 300 private contractors who worked extended hours during a historic snowstorm that blanketed the city with nearly two feet of snow. Some crews worked continuous 36-hour shifts at the height of the storm, according to Westerling.

In response to resident criticism regarding the lack of pre-treatment on city roads, Westerling explained that pavement temperatures were below 15–20 degrees, rendering salt or brine ineffective and wasteful under those conditions. “We’re evaluating our operations, we’re evaluating the parking bans, we’re evaluating how we enforce those bans so that for the next storm we can do a better job,” he said.

One of the largest challenges during and after the storm was vehicles left on city streets in violation of the parking ban, which significantly hindered plowing and snow removal efforts. More than 700 parking tickets were issued and approximately 450 vehicles were towed.

Westerling also addressed ongoing complaints from residents who had cleared their driveways only to have snow pushed back in by city plows. “It’s our obligation, our responsibility to widen the streets as wide as possible, curb to curb if we can,” he said, noting that driveway impacts are an unavoidable consequence of necessary roadway widening.

Another persistent issue slowing cleanup efforts was residents shoveling or snow-blowing snow back into cleared streets, forcing crews to re-plow previously completed areas.

In closing, Westerling expressed gratitude to DPW employees, contractors, the Worcester Police Department, and city residents. He thanked the public for their patience and understanding as the city continued recovery efforts following what he described as a historic storm in Worcester.