Plowing, sanding, and deicing continuing in arterials now; work in residential areas to begin soon
Marlene Feist, Public Works, (509) 625-6505
Thursday, February 28, 2019 at 6:33 a.m.
City of Spokane crews were out all night plowing in arterials as new snow fell, and this morning, they are continuing with that effort. Additionally, the City is initiating a Full-City Plow starting at 7 a.m. today. City crews will work 24 hours a day, 7 days a week until they plow all streets within the City. Additional crews from water and wastewater will be part of full-City plowing efforts, with more than 50 pieces of equipment expected to be out working.
Under the City’s revamped snow response plan, a full-City plow should take about three days to complete. Additional snow could extend the time it takes to complete the full-City plow.
While continuing work in arterials, teams will be deployed to residential areas this morning starting in residential hill areas. The order of the residential routes will be posted to the City’s web site; this page also includes the City’s plow map, which will be updated with the progress of the plows. The City’s residential plow route map shows the routes.
Vehicles should be parked on the odd side of the street in residential areas to assist plows. Berms are likely in front of cars, even those parked on the odd side of the street. The parking restrictions are intended to allow plow drivers to do a better job of clearing snow in neighborhoods and to complete their work more efficiently.
Plow teams in residential areas will use snow gates to avoid leaving berms at the end of driveways as much as possible. The City has 16 pieces of equipment outfitted with those gates, more than double the amount from last snow season. Crews will work to plow snow away from the curb to help keep snow away from sidewalks. Snow also may be pushed to center medians in some cases.
The City asks citizens clear a 36-inch pedestrian path on sidewalks. Please assist your neighbors who may need help removing snow from their driveways and sidewalks. Seniors or disabled individuals can call 3-1-1 to connect with resources for shoveling sidewalks.
Don’t blow or shovel snow into the street, but back into your yard. Clear snow off parked cars to allow plow drivers to see them better, and consider clearing snow and ice around mailboxes and storm drains.
When driving in these wintry conditions, the City is asking motorists to slow down, be patient, and drive according to the conditions. Don't follow plows closely, and please do not try to pass plow trucks; it is very dangerous.
