Potholes, side-street snow keeping Chicago crews busy

January 8, 2014 (CHICAGO)

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Some streets are in such bad shape even snow plows are getting stuck. One required a nudge from a front-end loader to get back on track.

Spinning, slipping and sliding are still common sights on side streets. Plows continue to pack-in Obrieann Hale's minivan in Englewood, and she continues to call on her nephew for help digging it out.

"It's ridiculous we can't get any service. The alley over there, there's no service. We're supposed to park there but can't park there because the alley's not clear," she said.

All across Chicago: It's a tale of two cities. Main streets are clear. But look at the disparity on side streets. And it's a major hazard for people like Jose Soto - who had to climb over a snow bank with a bad foot.

As if the snow isn't bad enough, our big freeze is creating deep potholes that are expected to get much worse in the coming days.

"With the salt breaking down the snow and ice, we get a lot of moisture seeping into the pavement. That moisture freezes then expands," said Tom Carney, Chicago Dept. of Transportation.

Three days after the snow stopped falling, even those who protect and serve still need a push and propel.

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