Sweepers keep debris out of drainage system

With government agencies consistently threatening to cut jobs and services, everyone is a little more sensitive about how their tax dollars are being spent. I get quite a few questions about whether government agencies are efficiently spending money on various projects and services.

Here is the latest from Robert: Would you tell me why in these tight economic times the city still uses street sweepers? A street sweeper went down my street three times the other day and the street was already in fine shape.

Tidying up the streets is required by federal and state laws that issued the city of Las Vegas its storm water permit, which allows the city to directly route storm water and property owners' runoff to Lake Mead without pretreatment. The purpose of street sweeping is to keep garbage from entering the storm drainage system, Robert. The sweepers will travel a single street as many times as operators feel necessary to pick up the debris.

Here's an interesting side note: Each year the amount of trash removed from public streets and hauled to the Apex Regional Landfill equals the size of a football field that is several feet deep, according to the city's Debby Ackerman.

Street cleaners might seem antiquated to some, but apparently they are a necessity.

Ben asks: Do notices they issue during winter storms that chains are required for certain routes apply to people with 4-wheel drive? For example, I have a 4x4 with traction control. It has new tires as well. I don't see how chains would really improve things that much more.

Usually law enforcement officials require two-wheel drive vehicles to use chains but not 4-wheel drives. However, they will check your tires and if you have a 4-wheel drive with bald tires, they're not going to let you through. If the stuff is so bad that 4-wheelers need chains, the road likely will be closed. Traction control, which was introduced about five years ago, makes a "big, big, difference," according to the folks at Discount Tire in Henderson.

And a follow up: Could using chains on a 4x4 damage the differentials or transmission?

According to Discount Tire, using chains on a four-wheel vehicle should not cause damage unless, of course, the chains are improperly installed. The other factor that can cause damage on any vehicles is if the chains are left on for a lengthy period of time.

Michael questions the quality of work on Interstate 15 north: Why are there bumpy lanes everywhere?

The ribbon-cutting ceremony for the widening of Interstate 15 between the Spaghetti Bowl and Craig Road is scheduled for this morning, but there is still work to do -- namely paving. This work is sensitive to temperatures so expect bumps until the springtime, Michael. Crews will work at night.

Don's Interstate 15 question is this: Will there be an emergency lane for disabled vehicles once the express lanes are finished; it doesn't look like there is enough room.

There isn't much room, Don. Space is limited in that area, but the folks at the Nevada Department of Transportation are confident that the freeway service patrol will come to the rescue quickly so that broken down cars don't hinder traffic.

If you have a question, tip or tirade, call Adrienne Packer at 702-387-2904, or send an e-mail to roadwarrior@reviewjournal.com. Please include your phone number.