Why does it seem the El Paso County Department of Transportation provides a better response to some snowstorms and not as good with others? Timing is everything.When the department receives a weather forecast with a high probability for a storm starting in the late evening or early morning, crews can be ready at 3 a.m., which allows them to plow many of the high-priority streets and roads before morning rush hour. The department provides a second shift that can work through the afternoon and the evening rush hours.When a storm starts at 4 a.m. or after, there isn’t adequate time for efficient snow removal. Drivers have about one hour to reach the equipment facility, and they then have to drive to an assigned snow removal area to begin sanding or plowing, which leaves a short period before they begin competing with commuters for movement on the roads. Sometimes, only a few roads are cleared before the morning rush hour. The department clears the remaining roads in order of priority as the day progresses.
