HUNTSVILLE – Mayor Tommy Battle won’t likely be doing a serpentine snake dance anytime soon, but he does echo frontman Axl Rose’s words in a decades-old Guns N’ Roses hit.
“All we need is a little patience” sang the brash red head in 1988.
As continued cold slows ice melting off roadways and sidewalks, Battle and other city officials are urging patience as crews continue to work to clear roads and public safety personnel respond to spikes in weather-related emergency calls.
“The city is working diligently to make it safe for drivers to return to the roads,” Battle said. “Everyone is eager to leave their homes and get back to their normal lives, but patience is needed. The danger from the ice has not subsided, so we want people to use caution if they venture out.”
Public Works Director Chris McNeese said crews are working on major and minor collector roadways with plows and motor graders. He said the expected rain should enhance clearing because it will help slush to develop on roadways, which will be easier for crews to scrape away.
As crews are out clearing roads of ice, drivers are asked to use caution and be aware of workers.
Traffic accidents since Monday have more than doubled over the usual rate, Police Chief Kirk Giles said. HPD said there have been 162 weather-related accidents this week and more than 20 that involved injuries.
“We really need people to stay at home,” Giles said. “Don’t get out unless it is absolutely necessary and understand the roads are treacherous and they will continue to be treacherous after the weather tonight.”
A winter weather advisory was in effect at noon Thursday and continues through 6 a.m. Friday.
For more information, follow Huntsville Police on Facebook. To receive city alerts, visit https://www.huntsvilleal.gov/government/media-center/city-notifications/
Garbage collection
As frigid temperatures and icy road conditions continue to impact the Huntsville, residents should anticipate delays in garbage collection for the remainder of the week. Some areas could experience further delays, depending on road conditions.
Trash cans should be left at the curb until they are collected. Residents can temporarily place additional bags (overflow) of household garbage next to bins, which is typically prohibited. Each bag must weigh less than 50 pounds.
“We apologize for the inconvenience, and we ask for continued patience as we work through these challenges,” McNeese said. “We ask residents to leave their cans at the curb, and we will collect them as soon as possible.”
Find updates on residential garbage collection at https://www.huntsvilleal.gov/residents/trash-recycling/residential-trash-collection/schedule-for-residential-collection/
For more information on impacts from the winter weather event, view https://www.huntsvilleal.gov/winter-weather-alert/
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