MAINTENANCE PLOW WORK WRAPS UP

The City's Snow Response teams have completed evaluation and any additional needed plowing in all residential plow routes as part of a "maintenance plow" that began on Tuesday afternoon. That maintenance plow work is concluding on Friday, Jan. 17, at 5 p.m.

As part of the maintenance plow, the City called in additional crews to work during the day to complete additional plowing in residential areas. Crews also worked in primary and secondary arterials, on arterial and residential hills, and paid close attention on routes to schools and needed work in the Central Business District. Each day about 55 people and pieces of snow removal equipment were deployed to City streets to complete this work. By definition, "maintenance plow" work occurs during the day.

Starting Friday night, the City will move back into regular winter operations. City Snow Response Crews are monitoring conditions 24 hours a day and will continue to respond to new snow and icy conditions with needed plowing, deicing, and sanding. Their work will focus on arterials, hills, and routes to schools and medical facilities.

A variety of information on the City's Snow Response Plan is below. Follow the City of Spokane on twitter and Facebook for information when it snows. And use the below map to track the progress of plows during Full-City Plow events.

City Snow Response crews work 20 hours a day, 7 days a week during snow season from Nov. 15 to March 15, responding as needed to conditions. The plow progress map is only activated during full-City Plow events. Crews work 24/7 during those events. View Full map

Plowing Procedures

When it snows, even if it's just an inch or two, crews will plow in residential areas as well as in arterials. This "maintenance plow" work will occur primarily during regular day shifts Monday through Friday. Arterials are plowed first, followed by hills in residential areas. Identified vehicle routes around schools also have been prioritized for clearing. During a larger snowfall of four inches or more, crews will move to 24/7 operations to complete a "Full-City Plow." Crews expect to complete a Full-City Plow in about three days.

The Residential Snow Plowing Route Map can be found below and on fliers located at City Hall, libraries or Senior Centers. The first residential area to be plowed is rotated each time the City plows, although hill areas will be plowed before flat areas. Once we begin to plow the residential areas, the City will share the order of the residential plow routes.

The City has increased the number of "gates" in its fleet that allow plow drivers to avoid placing a berm at the end of driveways to 16. The gates won’t completely eliminate driveway berms, particularly for those who live on arterials that are plowed more frequently, but they will dramatically reduce berms throughout the City.

Parking and Sidewalks

Citizens are asked to park on the odd side of the street in residential areas for the snow season, which runs from Nov. 15 to March 15. The goal is to make it easier for citizens to comply with parking rules and aid plow drivers with their work. Downtown on snowy days, on-street parking will be prohibited between midnight at 6 a.m. so parking bays can be plowed out.

By ordinance, citizens and businesses must keep their sidewalks shoveled. The City is asking citizens to clear a 36-inch path to allow pedestrians to travel effectively, with a goal of completion by 9 a.m. after a snowfall. Citizens are asked to clear ADA ramps and to clear a pedestrian path even if no sidewalk exists.

Seniors or disabled individuals who can't maintain their own sidewalks can call 3-1-1 to get information on available volunteer services. Companies that specialize in snow removal and many local landscaping companies offer such services for residential customers. Search for "Home Snow Removal Services in Spokane" to find options.

The Better Business Bureau also has information. Search for "Snow Removal Services" in Spokane, WA, for a comprehensive list.

More information on City snow and ice removal operations