Snow removal operation targets West Quincy, Wollaston Tuesday night

Tuesday, February 10, 2015

Snow Removal Program Expands Tuesday Night

QUINCY – In the wake of record storms that dumped more than 6 feet of snow in Quincy in the last two weeks, Mayor Thomas Koch announced today the expansion of a snow removal program that will be “unlike anything in recent history,” he said. 

“This is a truly historic weather event, and we’re going to match it with an unprecedented effort,” he said. “Plowing snow at some point becomes moot. There’s no place for it go, and it just needs to be removed. I’ve been around the snow operation in this City for a long time, and we have never tried anything this expansive.”

The program, which began in earnest prior to the latest deluge of more than 27 inches of snow this week, will start again on Tuesday night. The operation will include upwards of 75 trucks to haul snow and the associated heavy equipment to remove it from main roads, school areas, secondary roads and narrow neighborhood streets.

On Tuesday night, the program will target the West Quincy area of Robertson Street and the Wollaston area of Beach Street and nearby neighborhoods depending on how swiftly the project moves. There will be traffic diversions in these areas during the duration of the project

Mayor Koch cautioned that the methodical nature of a large-scale hauling operation means the program will take a considerable amount of time.  The program will begin with at least two to four crews working every night, with the expectation that it may be expanded with the availability of additional contractors.  Daytime work is also a possibility for the removal effort, and the work schedule will be altered by additional storms.  

The snow will be hauled to a pair of snow dumps at either end of the City, which are currently already holding thousands of tons of snow from earlier hauling efforts.  The City also received a waiver from the Department of Environmental Protection to dump snow if necessary in waterways.

As the program moves forward, many secondary roads and neighborhood streets will continue to be narrow. Those areas are being reviewed by the City’s Traffic Department for the potential of pattern changes that will assist in easing neighborhood congestion.  

“We all need to understand the magnitude of the events of the last couple of weeks, and just take a little more time, be patient, and be extra careful when we are out driving or walking,” said Mayor Koch.  “We have a good a handle on it; we’re working around the clock, and we’ll get through it.” 

Mayor Koch said he has spoken multiple times with Governor Charlie Baker and Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito about the City’s response to the storms, and the state is seeking to assist in providing additional contractors as the part of the removal program.