Every city must serve its residents and commuters year-round. In the winter, municipalities must have comprehensive snow removal plans that ensure businesses and families can provide and receive services even during inclement weather. An effective strategy involves investing in quality snow removal equipment and preparation. Here are a few tips for implementing policies and procedures on snow and ice control.

How to Develop a Citywide Snow Removal Plan

1. Prioritize 

Creating a map of prioritized snowplow routes helps determine the order in which different areas will receive winter maintenance during a storm. Typically, plowing operations start with major arterial streets, emergency access roads, and school zones. Next, give priority to minor arterial and major collector roads, which connect major arterial and residential streets.

2. Decide Response Times

Next, city supervisors should decide when to enact snow and ice control operations. Take several factors into consideration, including snow accumulation levels, how icy conditions might affect travel, and peak traffic hours. Any accumulation expected to be higher than 1 inch typically requires plowing and pre-treatment with salt or brine solution.

3. Establish Property Owner Responsibilities

A formal snow removal plan should specify home and business owner responsibilities as well. Determine how long owners have to clear private sidewalks, fire hydrants, mailboxes, and parking lots after snowfall. Establish clearance minimums between snow banks and streets to prevent piles from ending up on roads after removal. 

4. Maintain Snow Removal Equipment

Winter maintenance requires adequate equipment. Snowplows and salt trucks keep a city operational during extreme weather events. Have all vehicles and equipment inspected and serviced annually before the winter. Have damaged machinery repaired or replaced.

For snow removal equipment that can withstand harsh weather conditions, turn to Currier’s Certified Welding in Kalispell, MT. As the largest authorized dealers of Boss® snowplows in northwest Montana, they understand the importance of having reliable tools that work quickly and efficiently to clear the streets. These professionals have provided superior products since 1972. Call (406) 752-2366 to request a quote, or visit them online for more information on their offerings.