Snow Removal Frequently Asked Questions

When the temperature drops below 15 degrees, rock salt is no longer effective at removing snow and ice. At very low temperatures, use a blend formulated for low temperatures that contains calcium chloride or magnesium chloride to help melt ice.

During a snow storm, road crews generally begin clearing streets according to the following priorities:
 
First priority street routes – high-volume roadways and access to hospitals, police stations and fire stations.

Second priority street routes – streets that lead directly onto first priority street routes

Third priority street routes – neighborhood streets and cul-de-sacs

Snow and ice removal plans try to provide consistent service, but some residential streets will be clearer than others due to certain factors, such as: when during the snow storm it is plowed, the amount of traffic on the road before and after plowing, the pavement temperatures and the type of pavement surface.

Sometimes plow trucks need to drive with their blades up. Trucks may drive with blades up when traveling to or from their route locations or maintenance facility in order to drive at normal speeds and avoid wearing out the plow blade when not on routes. Also, some trucks use an under-body blade for smaller snowfalls or spreading deicing materials.

It might appear that snow plows are driving too fast for road conditions. Plows drive at around 25 MPH to efficiently clear snow and ice. The loud sound of plowing, flashing lights on the vehicle, snow discharge and sparks from contact between the plow blade and uneven roadways may make the plow truck appear to be driving faster than it is.

Snow plows are designed to push snow to the side, so it is inevitable for snow to collect at the end of driveways and sidewalks during plowing. Plows will make multiple passes down your street, which can cause additional snow to pile up at the end of your driveway after you have shoveled. Residents are responsible for clearing snow at the end of their driveway and at sidewalk crossings if they have a corner lot. It is illegal to shovel snow back into the roadway as this creates unsafe driving conditions.

Yes. They are several actions you can do to keep your neighborhood safe and help snow plow operators do their jobs better, including: not parking on the street after it snows, shoveling snow from sidewalks before it turns to ice, not putting snow back onto the streets, removing snow around fire hydrants, driving slowly during a snow storm and keeping distance between your vehicle and snow plows.

It is the responsibility of homeowners to clear snow from sidewalks in front of their property as soon as possible. Shovel snow before it gets walked on to reduce the amount of ice that forms. Requirements for when snow must be removed from residential sidewalks vary for each municipality.

Yes, residents are responsible for clearing snow from sidewalks in front of their property, including curb ramps. Help keep sidewalks accessible for people in your neighborhood by removing snow when plows push snow from the road onto curb ramps.

You are responsible for maintaining access to fire hydrants in front of your home. Keep your neighborhood safe in the event of an emergency by clearing snow around fire hydrants on your property.

Parking rules vary by municipality. In general, street parking is prohibited after a snowfall of 2 or more inches so plow trucks can effectively clear roads.

The white or wet lines are salt brine applied before a forecasted storm to prevent snow and ice from bonding to pavement. This is called anti-icing. Anti-icing is cost-effective and environmentally-friendly since it reduces the time it takes to clear roads after a storm and requires much less deicing material.