Weekend’s wintry weather leads to school delays, slick roads

MONSON, MA (WGGB/WSHM) - The latest round of winter weather to hit our area impacted roads and schools in many communities on Monday, including Monson. It was a busy morning for the Monson Highway Department and other plows in the area. The department’s surveyor, Ben Murphy, told Western Mass News his crews had been working since 10 a.m. on Sunday to make sure the more than 100 miles of road in the area were cleared and treated.

“My guys are hired help that we have. They did a fantastic job. We kept ahead of it, so we didn’t use so much treatment, which saved us an add-in, and then, towards the end of the storm this morning, we went out and treated them all, and today, that seems to be melting off,” Murphy said.

Our crew saw some plows in action early in the day. At least one of them was seen clearing the parking lots and drop-off area outside Monson High School as that school and the rest of Monson Public Schools had a two-hour delay. We spoke with Monson resident Peter Kierkla, who was plowing for Excavation Plus and he said he had been doing that work since around 1 a.m. before ending midmorning.

“The roads are getting pretty good out there. A couple of the back road spots are a little iffy, but for the most part, the roads are pretty good,” Kierka explained.

The highway department had more than a dozen vehicles out plowing, sanding, and salting and Murphy said that at least three inches of snow fell in the hills of the area. So far, it has been a mild winter all across western Massachusetts, meaning the department has been under their $200,000 snow and ice budget.

“With the more rain than snow, we’re actually sitting pretty good. Hopefully, the next or two will cooperate weather-wise where we won’t be getting into the budget more,” Murphy noted.

Compared to the last couple of years budget-wise, Murphy told us things have been about the same.

The road salt has been less expensive, while plow drivers are getting paid higher rates because of a shortage. As we head into the evening hours, Murphy urged everyone to be safe.

“Most roads should be safe, but still, be cautious because you never know. You see that slush spot, it could be slippery,” Murphy said.

Murphy said the highway department will be ready for the next snowstorm and he expects Monson Public Schools to be open without any delay on Tuesday.