#01 Presentation on snow removal operationsSnow and Ice Control
Goals, Objectives and
Procedures
Department of Public Works
Operations Division
2011/2012 Winter Season
Goals and Objectives
Plow all City streets within ten hours after
cessation of all snow storms requiring
plowing. Plowing generally is initiated when
snowfall accumulation reaches 2” to 3”
To treat all arterial and collector streets, bus
routes, major hills and intersections with
chemicals to achieve bare pavement at these
locations.
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Goals and Objectives
To treat bridges, major hills and a portion of the
arterial street network with liquid, anti-icing
chemicals prior to certain storm events.
To remove snow from the downtown area,
including parking lots, when conditions warrant.
To clear snow from sidewalks abutting public
property.
Note on Residential Streets
Though it is at times the
outcome, bare pavement is not
an objective on residential
streets.
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Snow and Ice Control
Anti-Icing
Anti-icing is proactive as opposed to reactive.
It minimizes bonding of snow to pavement
and facilitates clearing after plowing.
Snow and Ice Control
Chemical Application
Salt is applied to arterial and collector streets,
bridges, major hills and bus routes to prevent
bonding of snow to streets and, ultimately, to achieve
bare pavement in these locations.
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Snow and Ice Control
Chemical Application
In temperatures below about 25 degrees F, salt is
treated with liquid chemicals which lower the freeze
point of the brine created from the melting snow.
Snow and Ice Control
Salt Storage
The City currently has two salt storage facilities
which hold approximately 4,400 tons. A typical
winter will consume between 4,000 & 5,000 tons.
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Snow and Ice Control
Plowing
The City utilizes 26 dump trucks and 3 motor
graders to clear streets when implementing a
City-wide plowing operation.
Snow and Ice Control
Plowing
Under normal circumstances, it takes approximately 10
hours to plow the entire City, but there are many factors
which can influence this timeframe.
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Snow and Ice Control
Public Sidewalks
The City maintains approximately 12 miles of
sidewalk abutting public property utilizing
utility tractors with blades and blowers.
Snow and Ice Control
Downtown Snow Removal
Snow is removed from the downtown area
whenever pedestrian or vehicular travel
becomes restricted.
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What Is A Snow Emergency
Point in time when vehicles must be removed
from streets to allow for plowing operations
City Ordinance -Council declares at two
inches
Historically, City issues a public notice with
specific, effective time and enforcement is
based upon this specific time
Is a Snow Emergency in Affect
Every Time the City Plows?
No
Storms with forecast minimums up to two to
three inches -likely will not declare snow
emergency in advance
Decision to plow smaller snowfalls may not
come until shortly before end of storm
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Communication Services
Goals and objectives
Awareness
Education
Improved efficiency/effectiveness of plow
operations
Fewer tickets issued
Overall improved customer satisfaction
Communication Services
Communication services are provided several
ways
City’s website
Facebook and Twitter
Dedicated informational phone line
Email to citizens
Police Department “warning” tickets
Local media
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Communication Services
City’s Website
Homepage icon during winter months with link
to winter weather and snow emergency info
Special homepage “alert” indicating a snow
emergency has been declared; activated by
Operations Division staff from CSC
Links include information about where to park
downtown during a snow emergency
Communication Services
City’s Website (cont’d)
Includes information about other related
topics, including:
Private sidewalk shoveling
Mailbox damage
City street salting operations
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Communication Services
Facebook and Twitter
When snow emergencies are declared,
information will be provided on Facebook
“Tweets” will also be provided whenever snow
emergencies are in effect
Communication Services
Snow Hotline (755-SNOW)
Dedicated informational phone line which
indicates if a snow emergency is in affect
Updated by Operations Division staff from
CSC once a snow emergency has been
declared and again when plowing operations
have been completed
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Communication Services
Email Notification
Residents can subscribe via the City’s website
to receive email notification when a snow
emergency has been declared
Email sent by Operations Division staff from
CSC shortly after declaration
Includes specific information about current
snow emergency
Communication Services (cont’d)
Police Department “warning” tickets
Issued during first snow emergency of season
Can still receive a ticket during first snow if
warned but did not move prior to street being
plowed
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Other Communication Efforts
City’s newsletter
Winter weather brochure
JATV
“Real time” press releases
Other Communication Efforts
Snow emergency refrigerator magnets
Parking regulation signs at major entrances
to the City
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Other Winter Weather
Information
Where to park during snow emergency
Website and brochure
Includes map of downtown parking lots
Mailbox damage
What to do if mailbox is damaged
City’s replacement policy
Private sidewalk shoveling requirements
Within 12 hours after a storm
Other Winter Weather
Information
It is a violation of City Ordinance to push or
blow snow into the street after it has been
plowed
Trash and recyclables will not be collected if
they are placed on snow banks. Residents
should either clear snow from an area on the
terrace in which to place trash and
recyclables, or place them on the driveway
apron.
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Other Winter Weather
Information
The Fire Department requests residents
having fire hydrants adjacent to their property
clear snow approximately three feet around
the hydrant and to also clear a path to the
street.
Need More Information?
For questions or more information, please
contact the Operations Division
755-3110
www.ci.janesville.wi.us
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