Crews Say Blizzard Clean Up Effort Successful

SIOUX FALLS, SD - Like an army, the dump trucks line up across Sioux Falls, taking the snow off the roads and to a dump site near the Big Sioux River.

While they aren't done yet, Sioux Falls Street Utilities Manager Galynn Huber is declaring the blizzard cleanup a success.

“For the first snowstorm with 40 mile an hour winds and 7.5 inches of snow and extreme cold, I think we did a good job," Huber said.

The blizzard provides an opportunity to test two new snow gates.

Early results show there was almost too much snow for them to work effectively because it had no where to go but up and over the gate, leaving half of the snow behind.

Huber said the process of raising and lowering the gates at driveways adds about 24 minutes to every hour of work.

But it's less work in the long run for property owners.

"I think those people at the test sites were, they had to shovel less snow than what they normally would. I'm guessing they're happy," Huber said.

Drivers who saw most roads cleared by Sunday are also happy.

"I feel safe out there. Getting around has been pretty easy. I have no issues with it," Mike Nold said.

Now, crews are working to clean up what plows pushed aside.

Every 12 hours, more than 100 workers clear the roads to make sure they are safe for drivers. More than 3,500 lane miles have been cleared since Saturday.

"I think they've been doing as good a job as they can, considering it is Monday, the roads are pretty clear," Larry Hall said.

And while the snow may be off the street, drivers should still be cautious and aware of the winter conditions.