Public Works crews are prepared for the City’s winter snow and ice operations. Depending on the forecasted inclement weather, the City may apply brine to pretreat the streets. Brine is a proactive strategy used as an anti-icing agent. Applying brine or salt/sand requires an adequate area to apply the material correctly. We ask drivers to move over and give snow and ice vehicles at least 200 feet of space. Worker safety is always a top priority, so please allow crews adequate room to work. Brine will not be used if heavier rainfall is expected before the snow event.
Public Works intends to provide practical and safe transportation routes that appropriately suit the needs of the public during winter storms. The City’s primary focus during inclement weather periods is to treat bridges and overpasses first, followed by any major streets with inclines/declines. The City’s third priority is to ensure first responders and emergency service providers such as hospitals, police, and fire precincts can function and may receive special consideration during inclement weather.
Public Works can deploy up to fourteen trucks to spread sand and salt as part of its de-icing operation. The City has over 7,000 tons of salt and sand available. Public Works also has access to 10 snowplow attachments that can be mounted to various heavy equipment. However, snowplows will only be deployed when snow accumulations are expected to be three inches or higher.
The City would like to remind citizens to use caution as they travel on the roadways during inclement weather. It is strongly recommended that drivers use defensive driving tactics, reduce speed and increase following distances accordingly. If driving can be avoided, then please consider that option.