A measure aimed at helping Pittsburgh officials identify sidewalk, transit stops, handicap parking spots and other areas that need to be cleared after a snowstorm earned City Council approval Tuesday.
The measure, sponsored by Councilwoman Barb Warwick, D-Greenfield, was introduced in the wake of a major snowstorm that dumped about a foot of snow on the city in January.
The snow and ice made it tricky for people, especially those with disabilities, to navigate the city.
Warwick’s legislation would create an inventory of areas — like curb cuts, intersections, transit stops, accessible parking spots and parking near business districts, schools, day cares, community centers and houses of worship — that should be cleared of snow after a storm.
Warwick said it was a “first step” toward prioritizing which areas could be treated first.
Officials also will have to balance clearing those spots with making roads driveable.
The inventory will compile data from various sources, including through calls that report snowy conditions to the city’s nonemergency 311 help line, to figure out which areas most need to be plowed and salted after snow.
Warwick’s legislation requires the inventory be completed by Nov. 15, ahead of next winter.
In January, the city declared a state of emergency after dozens of snowplows broke down during a storm that blanketed the region with more snow than Pittsburgh had seen in about 16 years.
Many roads, sidewalks and other areas were treacherous for days after the snowfall.