MONONGALIA COUNTY, W.Va. – Department of Highways District 4 engineer Mike Cronin has confirmed four COVID-19 cases at the Monongalia County Garage reduced the number of employees available to treat roads during recent weather events.
New measures are now in place to prevent the problem in the future.
First, during winter weather events and call-out conditions quarantined employees with no symptoms may operate their vehicles provided they are the only person in the cab. Also, heavy machinery operators are being called in the event others are unable to work. No employees are being asked to work while sick.
During the most recent winter weather event, three inches of snow fell in two-and-a-half hours. Approximately one-and-a-half hours after the event priority routes were wet.
Cronin had high praise workers who sacrificed to get roads cleared and follow protocols to ensure safety for the traveling public and health of DOH workers and families.