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South Jordan Journal

How South Jordan snow plow drivers handled Snowmagedden

Mar 31, 2023 12:23PM ● By City Journals

This winter saw a marked shift in snowfall as frequent storms regularly forced snow plows onto the roads. The Feb. 21-23 snowstorm for instance dropped well over 20 inches in South Jordan. 

A South Jordan press release stated the storm was one of the biggest challenges the city has faced in years. But noted the city’s snowplow drivers kept the streets safe and clear. 

Jordan Allen, South Jordan City’s streets manager, said in the press release it required an immense amount of time and resources. 

“We had roughly 600 staff hours, 450 tons of salt, and 80 drivers, 12 large trucks, and 15 small trucks working around the clock to keep the roads clear,” he said. “This was an all-hands-on-deck operation, and everyone worked tirelessly to make it happen.”

Typical duties of the staff include street maintenance and repair, water line maintenance and repair, storm drain maintenance, dumpster delivery, park maintenance and more. These jobs were put on hold to keep the roads safe and clear. They worked 12-hour shifts, with staff working from 7 a.m.-7 p.m. and 7 p.m.-7 a.m. 

They also had about five other trucks with staff members helping people who got stuck on the roads during the storm. Allen said the team used 2,300 gallons of unleaded fuel and 3,200 gallons of diesel during the snowstorm. 

"Our staff worked through some of the most challenging conditions," he said. "We are extremely proud of our team and their efforts to keep the city safe during this intense snowstorm."

South Jordan isn’t the only city dealing with higher-than-normal usage of resources. West Valley City will normally spread 3,100 tons of salt during the winter, this winter its public works department reported using 4,400 as of mid-March. 

South Jordan City expressed its appreciation for its staff in the press release.

“The City of South Jordan would like to extend its gratitude to all of the snow plow drivers and the staff who worked tirelessly to ensure the community's safety during this snowstorm. They have all gone above and beyond the call of duty, and all appreciate their hard work.”