Olive Branch Public Works battles stubborn ice to clear city streets

Photo credit: City of Olive Branch-Municipal Government on Facebook

OLIVE BRANCH, Miss. — Olive Branch Public Works and Fleet Services departments are entering their second week of around-the-clock operations as they work to clear roadways following the winter storm that arrived on Saturday, Jan. 24.

Despite sub-freezing temperatures that have hardened ice into a concrete-like state, crews have treated and plowed 200 miles of roadway. City officials reported that progress has been slow but steady as teams confront layers of ice that refuse to melt under current conditions.

To combat hazardous travel, the city has utilized a massive amount of traction and melting agents. As of Saturday afternoon, Jan. 31, since the start of the weather event, crews have deployed:

• 78,400 pounds of Ag-Rock
• 11,000 pounds of sand
• 7,700 pounds of ice melt

“We’re not stopping until we’re done,” the city said in a statement. “We are adding additional contractors to assist with clearing roadways for the safety of our residents and our emergency services.”

The city is prioritizing the clearing of main arteries and emergency routes to ensure that the U.S. Postal Service and Waste Connections can safely resume their normal schedules. While sunshine in recent days has aided efforts, officials warn that many of the city’s 350 linear miles of roadway remain hazardous.

Olive Branch residents are urged to remain patient and exercise extreme caution if they must be on the roads. Motorists are advised to give maintenance vehicles plenty of space to operate and to significantly increase following distances, as the ice continues to make stopping difficult.

“Help us help you by driving slow,” the department stated. “Give room for vehicles around you and give yourself plenty of time to stop.”