Chicago – Mayor Rahm Emanuel today joined Department of Streets and Sanitation (DSS) Commissioner Charles L. Williams at the City’s latest neighborhood service blitz to check on the progress of the street sweeping program.  New efficiency and a milder winter have allowed the department to sweep seven percent more miles and nearly 60 percent more alleys compared to last year.
 
“The Department of Streets and Sanitation handles an average of one million service requests per year, each one making a difference in our communities. From rodent baiting to graffiti removal to street sweeping, these are the resources residents want and need to maintain clean healthy neighborhoods,” Mayor Emanuel said.
 
The Chicago street sweeping season runs each year from April through November.  So far this season, sweeping drivers have swept over 116,000 miles on our main and residential streets; over 2,700 alleys and have collected almost 63,000 cubic yards of debris.  The City also added 19 new sweepers to its fleet this season, which boast enhanced features such as improved fuel economy and better 360 degree visibility.
 
“The Department continually works to be more efficient and effective in the way we deliver resources to the community,” DSS Commissioner Williams said. “Street sweeping is a great example. It is an essential service that we provide to ensure that litter and debris is constantly swept and disposed of, making our roadways safe and passable, and keeping our neighborhoods cleaner.”
 
Street sweepers sweep the main and residential streets to ensure that curb lanes are litter free. Sweeping also plays an important role in ensuring catch basins and viaducts are clutter-free, which helps prevent street flooding during major storms.
 
In 2017, milder conditions also allowed DSS to continue street cleaning along curb lanes, center lanes and viaducts during the winter months.   In January, DSS swept 4,359 miles, compared to the 275 miles in January 2016.  In February, DSS swept 6,044 miles compared to 1,548 miles in February 2016.
 
DSS, along with the Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT), were in the area as part of a neighborhood service blitz. The blitz program began earlier this summer and delivers a targeted amount of resources to a community.   
 
Crews have been out in the South Chicago neighborhood since Thursday cleaning vacant lots, addressing graffiti and rodent complaints, trimming trees, replacing broken street lights, filling potholes and more.
 
As part of the blitz program, to date this year, City workers have filled more than 2,750 potholes; hauled away almost 2,500 bags of debris;  repaired or replaced more than 1,000 traffic and street signs;  graffiti blasted nearly 300 areas; replaced almost 150 burned-out streetlights, repainted 225 crosswalks, and towed over 100 abandoned cars.
 
The Neighborhood Blitz program will continue until the fall in neighborhoods throughout Chicago.  
 
The street sweeping season will continue through November, weather permitting. To ensure curb-to-curb cleaning in neighborhoods, temporary parking restrictions are posted the day before sweeping is scheduled.  Some streets have permanently posted signs that outline days when parking is prohibited for street sweeping.  Residents should be mindful of all posted signage.
 
For more information, or to view the 2017 street sweeping schedule, visit www.cityofchicago.org/dss.

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