Dexter's street department perseveres through post-tornado challenges

On snowy days like Wednesday, Dexter’s Street Department employees and equipment must overcome sub-freezing environments with minimum shelter or protection before tackling the daily task at hand.

The city’s street department office, equipment building and storage facility were demolished by the F2 tornado in May of last year. It was learned the tornado also destroyed the storage tanks allowing liquid brine to be stored and applied as needed.

“We are currently using a temporary trailer for our offices,” said Jeremiah Robinson, superintendent of the street department. “We are using an airplane hangar on the south end of the airport to store supplies and inventory salvaged from the tornado.”

Since the disaster, all machinery and equipment have been exposed to the elements. More time and effort is required before hitting the streets on days like Tuesday, when preparations started. Without shelter from the snow, wind, and freezing temperatures, the plow trucks, dump trucks, tractors and necessary attachments require extra attention before operating.

Plans are underway to replace the building, which was covered by insurance, but until then street department employees will continue to go the extra mile to allow safe travel on Dexter’s roads and bridges.