Snow & Ice Removal

Snow & Ice Removal on Streets

Snow-covered streets will be plowed and salted according to established priorities that are based on traffic volume, public safety, and access to emergency facilities and schools. During major snowstorms, crews will plow and salt continuously prior to high volume traffic hours. 

Depending on the type and intensity of the storm, plowing operations may be suspended during peak traffic hours to devote maximum effort to salting operations that provide better traction. Plowing operations will resume after peak traffic hours.

Salt Procedure

The city owns a salt brine maker, which consists of a 1,000-gallon storage tank that mixes salt and water to make a brine solution. The salt brine solution is then applied to the main streets, hills, and bridges to prevent a layer of ice from forming on the road. The salt brine is very effective down to temperatures of approximately 22 degrees and can only be applied when the roadways are dry. The crews can apply the salt brine solution to the roads in the afternoon during normal working hours, which allows them more time at night to respond to icy road conditions. Many other city, county, and state agencies also apply the brine solution to their roadways.

Public Works has multiple salt storage facilities across the city. By having various storage locations, this helps eliminate long drives to refill their trucks. Drivers are able to keep on the road fighting the snow. 

Sidewalks

When it snows, the city depends on its citizens and businesses to be helpful, responsible, and aware of the need to remove all snow and ice from public sidewalks, including walks and ramps leading to a crosswalk. Public Works would like to remind residents that under city ordinance, property owners are responsible for clearing their sidewalks of snow and ice within 12 hours of daylight after any snowfall or accumulation of ice. This provides safe passage to all persons.