Murfreesboro Public Works says crews, contractors and a new online map are ready for wintry mix

MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — Murfreesboro Public Works told City TV on-air that it has staged crews, equipment and outside support ahead of an approaching winter storm expected to bring a mix of snow, sleet and ice.

Raymond Hillis, a Public Works department representative, said the city has been brining streets for several days and "went ahead and prepared for the worst." He said crews were placed on standby with a staffing schedule that begins at 5 a.m. Saturday, running in 12-hour rotations until roads are judged safe to travel.

Hillis said the department prepared for three types of events — a major snow event, a minor snow event and an ice event — and took specific steps for each. "We also have other departments that have volunteered to help with parks and rec, fleet, solid waste," he said, and the city purchased extra chainsaw blades, oil and fuel, inspected trucks and trained new staff.

Public Works said it had procured 15 chainsaws to respond to downed limbs and lines in an ice event. Hillis explained the operational approach: crews would temporarily push obstructing trees off roadways so emergency services can get through, then return when conditions allow to cut and haul debris to the Solid Waste facility for mulching.

Hillis described interagency coordination, saying Public Works had been in conversations with Rutherford County and the local electric utility to prioritize areas and restore critical access. He also said the city had contracted extra support from a private contractor identified in the segment; that contractor was described as having additional manpower and equipment if conditions worsen.

The city has published an interactive, color-coded map showing six primary treatment routes and a winter-weather guide on murfreesborotn.gov under the Street Department page. Hillis encouraged residents to view the map to see whether their street is on one of the main routes.

Bridal Lynn White, the City TV host, relayed guidance from public-safety officials: chiefs from Murfreesboro Fire Rescue and the Murfreesboro Police Department urged residents to stay off the roads. "If winter bad weather happens, response times might be slower, but they will be there," White said, summarizing the chiefs' message. Viewers were reminded to report power outages through the utility's app.

The segment closed with thanks to Public Works staff and a reminder for residents to stay safe; no formal actions or city votes were taken during the broadcast. The city’s online winter-weather materials provide the latest route and status information.