NORWAY – The state’s sixth snowstorm of the season has pushed Highway Department workers and equipment to their limits.

Town Manager David Holt said the snow pile in the center of Main Street in Norway will probably not be removed before tonight because of personnel fatigue and equipment maintenance issues.

Snow-removal efforts downtown have traditionally meant plowing snow to the street’s center from Rowe Elementary School to Advertiser Square in an effort to keep the sidewalks open for pedestrians who want to reach local businesses.

The decades-long tradition creates a high snow barrier between the sides of the streets, but openings are made in the bank to allow vehicles and people to cross. Officials have said public hearings in the past have resulted in no new ideas to resolve the issue. Snowbanks are generally removed within 24 hours.

The latest storm dumped as much as 18 inches on the area on top of snow from previous storms, Holt said Wednesday. He said it was time to send employees home for some much-needed rest.

Holt said the snowfall’s affect on the landmark Opera House will also be looked at today to ensure the roof, which sustained a partial collapse in September, was not in danger of further damage.

An engineer who surveyed the structure last fall said he recommended that no more than 12 inches of snow be allowed on the roof. Holt said it appears much of the snow is being blown from the rooftop by strong winds.