Snow Removal
Policy
The City of Northville Public Works Department routinely provides
snow and ice control services on City streets. This work is
performed following a priority pattern designed to provide service
to the greatest number of motorists where the need is the most
crucial. The street system maintained by the City includes 6.5 miles
of "Major Streets", almost 18 miles of "Local Streets" and several
alleys. The City does not maintain county primary roads which
include Eight Mile Road, Seven Mile Road, Novi Road, South Main
Street and North Griswold. These streets are maintained by
Wayne/Oakland County Road Commissions.
Priorities for Snow Plowing and Ice Control Service on City
streets
- Major streets such as Main Street, Center Street, Randolph
Street and Taft Road.
- Local streets with steep grades and sharp curves.
- Parking lots and the remainder of the local residential
streets and courts.
- Alleys and cemetery roads.
The City has a "Bare Pavement" policy for number "1" and
"2" priority streets. This means that these streets will be plowed
and salted to bare pavement within 24 hours of a snow or ice event,
even if it requires overtime for City forces to do so. The attack
plan in the City’s snow removal and ice control efforts will
obviously vary quite considerably depending on the storm event. A
sleet storm would be primarily an ice control operation involving
salt spreaders. A less than 4" snowfall would find salt spreaders
and plow trucks concentrating on number "1" and "2" priority
streets. Number "3" and "4" priority streets may not be plowed or
salted on these small events. Larger Snows (4" to 8") would show an
initial concentration on the number "1" and "2" priority streets
with an ongoing effort to keep them open during the snow event and
additional effort applied to number "3" and "4" priority streets.
Overtime plowing and ice control would begin on flatter local
streets (priority "3") once the accumulations reach approximately 4"
and the major streets are completed. Parking lots generally are
plowed through the night or early in the morning before stores are
open. It is extremely difficult to plow parking lots during the day
when they are parked full or partially full, so this is avoided
unless absolutely necessary.
To effectively provide snow and ice control, the Department uses
snow plowing in conjunction with the application of road salt. Rock
salt, even with its known environmental draw backs, is still the
principal element used for ice control purposes. Occasionally, sand
is mixed with salt or calcium chloride to increase traction during
ice storms or periods of extreme cold. However, the use of sand is
generally avoided as it tends to fill and clog storm drains. Sand
works better on rural roads.
The City of Northville is aware there is growing public concern
regarding environmental impacts associated with the use of road salt
for snow and ice control purposes. Even with known environmental
concerns, recent studies conducted by the Federal Highway
Administration concluded that salt is still the most effective means
of snow and ice control for roadways and sidewalks. Recognizing that
proper use of snow and ice control agents can make the difference
between public appreciation or condemnation of snow fighting
efforts, the City of Northville only salts number "1" and "2"
priority streets (bare pavement policy streets). In addition, City
crews will salt intersections, curves and hills on number "3"
priority streets. This managed use of salt placement, together with
timely snow plowing efforts will continue to promote safe travel on
City streets during the winter months while helping to diminish a
potential risk to the environment associated with salt usage.
Residents and businesses should remember to clear their sidewalks
within 24 hours of a snow or ice event. You are also asked
not to push, or allow your contractor to push snow or ice across
or into City streets. This is dangerous and is an illegal activity,
which may result in a fine to the property owner or contractor.
Many times the Public Works Department receives calls
regarding snowplow trucks depositing snow at the end of driveways or
in front of mailboxes. This is a reality of snow plowing, and it
cannot be helped. If our roads are to be plowed, the snow must be
pushed to the side of the road. If you have a neighbor who is
unable to remove the snow from their driveway or in front of their
mail boxes, please assist them, as the City does not have the
resources or the manpower to clear drive approaches or mail boxes.
We ask for your understanding and cooperation.
Everyone understands that there can be no standard plan of attack
for snow and ice control which can be followed as a firm recipe,
inasmuch as each storm event is different. The years of experience
of your Public Works employees in snow and ice fighting operations
are extremely important in the implementation of this critical work.
Their experience in a variety of demanding situations is an
essential ingredient to an effective winter maintenance effort. Your
cooperation will greatly assist them in these efforts and is greatly
appreciated.
This page last updated:
July 24, 2008
©2008, City of Northville
City of Northville
215 W. Main St.
Northville, Michigan 48167
248-349-1300
Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:00am - 4:30pm
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