The Department of Public Works is postponing trash and recycling services for the remainder of the week, due to subzero conditions. The delay means that Tuesday’s trash will be picked up on Wednesday; Wednesday's on Thursday; Thursday's on Friday. The regular schedule will resume on Monday, Feb. 3.
The city is also reminding residents of the changes in road salting procedures enacted to ensure that salt resources last through the remainder of the winter. This means:
- The addition of sand to the city’s salt mixture. Not only does this conserve salt, but the addition of sand also provides quick traction at temperatures too low for salt to be effective.
- On thoroughfares, salt will no longer be distributed along entire roadways start to finish, but used judiciously – on hills, curves, roundabouts, intersections (stop signs and stoplights), railroad crossings, bridges, school zones, and turn lanes.
- While neighborhoods will be plowed and passable, salt will not be distributed in neighborhoods.
“Safety is our first priority. We will be constantly evaluating roadways and laying down additional sand and salt at slick spots,” said Matt Evans, Public Works Director. The city reminds drivers to slow down as roads are snow packed in spots and can get slippery in these conditions as low temperatures prevent salt from being immediately effective. Residents are invited to report dangerous slick spots by phoning Public Works during business hours (7 a.m. to 4 p.m.) at 462-4612 or e-mailing pwinfo@valpo.us after hours.
Motorists are asked to reduce speeds to ensure safety. Residents are reminded to remove vehicles from roadways anytime there is snow of two inches or more so that plows may clear snow. In addition, snow removed from private property must not be transferred to roadways, as this is a violation of city code.
People who have nowhere to go to escape this dangerous cold may call the Valparaiso Police Department at 219-462-2135 or the Valparaiso Fire Department at 219-462-8325 during business hours. After business hours, heat emergencies may be directed to 911.