Pittsburgh has enough snowplows and drivers ready to clear the city’s streets as the area braces for up to 4 inches of snow this weekend, Public Works Director Chris Hornstein said Friday.

The city had about 20 vehicles in its snow-clearing fleet of 75 out of commission during the last snowfall the city experienced in January.

This time, Hornstein said, the city has enough trucks and drivers to send out its usual contingent of 60 trucks on the overnight shift and “slightly more” during the day. He said the city also has enough drivers and salt.

Hornstein acknowledged maintenance is always a concern for the city’s aging fleet, but said they’re in “reasonably good shape” for this weekend’s snow.

Pittsburgh is expected to see between 1 and 3 inches of snow Friday and Saturday, with some other areas nearby expected to see up to 4 inches. The National Weather Service warned of potentially hazardous driving conditions Friday evening.

Hornstein said officials anticipate the evening rush hour “should be okay,” but said roads likely will begin getting slick and slushy later Friday evening and into Saturday.

Crews will begin working at 6 p.m. Friday, Hornstein said, and continue clearing the roads Saturday.

Primary roads and routes to hospitals and public safety facilities will get priority, said Olga George, a spokeswoman for Mayor Ed Gainey.

Crews also will work to prioritize known “problem areas,” including steep hills, Hornstein said.

George said residents should give the city about 24 hours after snow stops falling to clear the roads. After that, residents can call 311 to alert the city to areas that still need to be plowed.

She also urged residents to do their part by making it easier for plows to get through residential areas. People should not park in ways that could block plows from getting through, she said, and people whose trash is collected on Saturdays should be mindful not to put garbage cans in the way of plows.

People also should use caution driving, Hornstein said, and choose safe routes.

The city’s online snowplow tracker has been disabled because some plows, including rented vehicles, weren’t properly communicating with the tracker technology, Hornstein said.

Allegheny County officials also are bracing for the snow. The county’s Department of Public Works will deploy 25 salt trucks when snow begins, according to Public Works Director Stephen Shanley. The county will provide “around-the-clock coverage until the precipitation stops and all county-maintained roads are clear,” Shanley said.

“During this storm, we encourage drivers to slow down, leave extra space between their vehicle and the one in front of them, provide extra time for their trips, and please give our salt trucks plenty of room to operate,” he said.

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