Snow and Ice Removal
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Emergencies
Call 911 if you are stuck or stranded and need help.
The City of Madison declares a “snow emergency” when all residential streets need to be plowed. This is usually when there is three or more inches of snow on the roads. You can sign up for updates and get more information at Declared Snow Emergencies.
Reporting Problems
You can report concerns about snow clearance on the City of Madison Report a Problem Portal. Reporting a problem with snow removal on the city’s website is often the best way to get a quick response from the City agency that can help.
You may also report problems by email at streets@cityofmadison.com or over the phone:
- Streets West: (608) 266-4681
- Streets East: (608) 246-4532
- Parks Division: (608) 266-4711
- Engineering: (608) 266-4751
Winter Safety & Tips
See the City's Winter Safety & Tips. These include topics like driving, taking Metro Transit, preparing for storms, and being a good neighbor.
Accessibility
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires the City of Madison have pedestrian access for people with disabilities. The U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration also issues guidance about state and local governments’ obligations under the ADA and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. This includes “reasonable snow removal efforts” in walkways with only temporary interruptions in accessibility.iTogether, the goal is to ensure surfaces in the pedestrian network are firm, stable, slip-resistant and not obstructed by snow and ice.
Pedestrian facilities include:
- Pedestrian access routes such as sidewalks, shared use paths and other pedestrian circulation paths are required to be accessible to and traversable by individuals with disabilities.
- Curb cuts
- Crosswalks
- Public parking spaces (including accessible parking spaces)
- Passenger loading zones
- Transit stops
- Access routes and entrances to City of Madison facilities
Although there is not a specific timeline in the federal guidelines, snow and ice must be removed as soon as is reasonably possible. What is reasonably possible may depend on weather conditions and the severity of the storm. The City of Madison is not required to take action that would cause an undue financial or administrative burden, but it must provide alternative access if pedestrian facilities are temporarily closed due to interruptions in accessibility.
Grievances
If you have a concern about the accessibility of a City of Madison program, service or facility, contact Rebecca Hoyt, Disability Rights and Services Specialist (ADA Coordinator) at RHoyt@cityofmadison.com or 608-266-6511.
Snow and Ice Removal in Public Facilities
Following a weather event, the City clears snow and ice from bus stops, City-owned sidewalks and crosswalks. Snow must not be plowed onto accessible features or parts of an accessible route.
Public Sidewalks, Bus Stops, and Bike Paths
Parks, Streets and Engineering Divisions share snow removal responsibilities across the city for bus stops with pads, bike paths, and sidewalks for certain city owned properties. The City also contracts with companies across the city to help with snow removal. Each Division is responsible for one or more geographic areas within Madison. In addition, Parks performs snow removal of walks, paths and parking lots which have winter recreational amenities.
Metro contracts with a company to remove snow and ice from various transfer points.
The goal is to complete an initial pass through all snow routes by 3pm the day after a snow event as resources allow. It can take multiple days to widen areas fully and ensure curb cuts and curb ramps are cleared.
Madison Metro Services
The City of Madison is responsible for maintaining accessibility of bus stops and BRT stations during weather events. Fixed-route bus service and paratransit services run during the most extreme weather. On the rare occasion that regular services become unsafe, certain trips or all services may be temporarily canceled. The City will take reasonable steps to provide alternative accessible options where possible.
Private Sidewalks, Curb Ramps to Crosswalks and Driveways
Title III of the ADA requires businesses to keep their buildings and facilities accessible. This includes taking reasonable steps to remove snow and ice from parking spaces, access aisles, and any curb cuts, ramps, and sidewalks that are part of the accessible route to the entrance.
Madison General Ordinance 10.28 requires all property owners to clear sidewalks, curb ramps to crosswalks, and driveways by 12:00 p.m. the day after the snow stops. If the property owner does not remove snow and ice, Department of Planning and Community and Economic Development is responsible for clearing the sidewalks at the property owner’s expense. Fines are issued daily until the property owner complies.
Visit Snow Removal for more information.
Seniors and people with disabilities are eligible for extensions and shoveling assistance.
Concerns about snow clearance can be reported to the City of Madison.