PITTSBURGH (PTTP) – Pittsburgh Mayor Corey O’Connor has begun preparations for
next year’s snowfall.
Two weeks after a historic winter storm hit the United States, the City of Pittsburgh
continues to plow through the remnants. Mayor O’Connor notes aging plow equipment
and insufficient operator training as two main causes for the slow storm response.
Outside contractors remain on the roads after 37 Department of Public Works (DPW)
plows broke down. They are joined by several Pittsburgh Parks trucks temporarily
equipped with salt spreaders and plows.
Members of the Pittsburgh City Council have acknowledged the age and state of DPW
vehicles as a long-standing concern. However, Council officials note that repairs and
replacements would require large investments over a long period of time.
On Monday, Mayor O’Connor met with the Acting Director of Public Works John
McClory and DPW foremen to re-cap this year’s response and discuss future plans.
Most notably, O’Connor pledged to purchase 50 new DPW plows. This follows a $2
million grant from the PNC Foundation for 15 snow plows and a $10 million gift from
UPMC for nine ambulances. The donation from UPMC would free up budget space for
35 DPW plows.
O’Connor plans for the plows to arrive in the summer of 2026, leaving time to train staff
on the equipment.