Rock Island unveiled brand new snow plows in the beginning of January, and now the City reports residents reaching out to them via social media or by phone, saying the streets are still not plowed.
Local snow plow and salt truck operators say they are working long shifts to get the job done. “A lot of us have to sacrifice the hours that we’re working,” Mike Holderfield, a Rock Island Equipment Operator, said. “Dayshift guys, nightshift guys, we’re definitely sacrificing.”
Holderfield has been a part of the Rock Island Public Works team for three years and says the winter storm that hit the Quad Cities in the first couple of weeks in 2024 is the worst snowfall he’s seen yet. “The storms that we’ve gotten out of, it’s 12 hour shifts,” Holderfield said. “Normally, it’s 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. We’re working around the clock.”
Twelve-hour shifts are normal for snow plow and salt truck drivers this time of the year. Despite barely seeing his family during the winter storm, Holderfield says he still loves what he does. “It gives you the opportunity to help people in many different ways,” Holderfield said. “So if that’s to fill a pothole in front of their house, repair the sidewalk in front of their house, or clear their streets pushing snow and laying down salt.”
Michael Bartels, Rock Island Public Works Director, says he wished his employees were as praised as police officers and firefighters in the area. “These guys put in a lot of hours,” Bartels said. “A lot of time away from their families; they miss a lot of holidays. They’re really the true heroes when it comes to snow removal.”
The City of Rock Island says they’ve received backlash on social media and through phone calls, due to some roads not being plowed or salted. Bartels says they’re happy to get back out there and get the job done. “Give us a call if you feel like your street has not been hit,” Bartels said. “We’ll go through, clean up what we can, but then more is going to peel up so it’ll have the appearance that it wasn’t plowed. But it’s going to be a losing battle for the next week or so until all of that pack is removed.”
Holderfield says despite negative feedback, he’s had a good experience on the roads. “I think I’ve had more of the good job, thank you, than the negative attitude,” Holderfield said.
Our Quad Cities News reached out to post offices in the Quad Cities about delayed mail services because of the winter weather. A post office worker said mail had not been moving for five days due to the winter storm in the area. They also said delays in receiving mail can also come from USPS staff shortages, due to an increase in mail because of deliveries stopping during the storms. That worker also said all Quad Cities post offices are being affected by this, but mail delivery should be picking up in the coming weeks if the weather cooperates.
For more information on Rock Island snow removal, click here.
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