| | Slipping and slidingJanuary 3, 2012 - Brian RowellThe city of Escanaba usually does an exceptional job keeping city streets safe and passable after a snowfall. Even in the face of budget limitations, I feel their efforts have been top notch compared to other communities I’ve been to. Unfortunately, that cannot be said about the streets of Escanaba over the past several days. Snowfall Escanaba received on Saturday/Sunday turned to a slushy mess in the warm temperatures. That quickly froze as temperatures began to plunge. The result — a slick, icy surface on most of the roads in the city. Roads are slick — some much worse than others. I slid through two intersections in recent days going well below the speed limit and saw several other motorists do the same. I’m sure other drivers out there have had the same experience. Although there has been salt and sand put on the city’s ambulance routes, the remainder of city streets seem to be left untouched. As of my commute to work this morning (Tuesday, Jan. 3), there still doesn’t appear to have been an effort to clear up the ice. I understand the city has to live with budget limitations and the fact we are just coming off a holiday weekend. There are times, however, when public safety becomes a factor. I think this is one of those times. Come on — put down some sand and salt. It’s more than warranted. Article Comments(5)redstate2Mar-10-12 9:17 AM "The city of Escanaba usually does an exceptional job keeping city streets safe and passable after a snowfall." Really? Like the giant snowbanks in the middle of Ludington and Stephenson that remain sometimes for weeks? formerresFeb-18-12 7:08 PM I was in town visiting at that time road were conditions terrible. Thanks for pointing this out. I was going below the speed limit and it was unsafe. Why should I visit if they can't even make it safe. Out of towners come over holidays and things like that make them not want to visit. RebmaniaJan-23-12 1:33 PM *****it up. You live in the UP. If you do not like the quality of the plowing on your route through the city, get out your checkbook. The rest of us can deal with it just fine, thank you. EStaceyJan-20-12 8:12 PM I'm sorry the road standards for that Tuesday, the day after a Federal Holiday were not up to your Standards Mr Rowell. As you said though, they 'usually' have a great handle on it, and I'm sure your comments are taken well by those who 'enjoyed' the holiday. eskygirl95Jan-03-12 1:54 PM Just because you drive below the speed limit does not mean it is an acceptable speed for the road conditions. Have you ever heard of being ticketed for driving too fast for conditions? These are given even though you are driving below the speed limit. There are major financial hurdles that the city is overcoming along with the city attacking the high volume streets first with sand and salt. If this is their first offense and you believe they are "top notch" cut them some slack and stick to the main roads. Do you seriously need to criticize them for a first offense so publicly? Post a Comment | in: News, Blogs & Events Web Blog PhotosBrian Rowell |