Snow Plows Out in Force on Sunday

It's February 1st, the sun is shining, a respite from the dull and dreary skies we've experienced of late.  I  went on nice walk with my neighbor and got a much needed dose of Vitamin D. 

Such a lift to our spirits. However, winter is not over with us yet.

Residential plowing will be underway on Sunday. Residents are encouraged to choose off-street parking options to help clear the road for plows to do their work. No snow emergency parking restrictions will be in effect.

Many Madison residential side streets have a compacted layer of ice and snow on them leftover from the last round of snowfall. The relatively warm temperatures of Saturday combined with the even warmer temperatures forecast for Sunday will make this layer thaw. As traffic drives through thawing hard pack, it will churn the snow, making the roads slushy and sloppy.

Beginning Sunday morning, a total of approximately 65 plowing vehicles from the Streets Division and heavy equipment contractors will be working to push this slush out of the roads and to the curb. 

Leaving the slush in place would create deep ruts in the driving lanes that could freeze when cold temperatures return in the days ahead.

On Sunday, roadway users may encounter plowing vehicles and residential areas may be wet and slippery from the melting snow. Therefore, if you are making your way through the city on Sunday, perhaps to a gathering to a watch the Super Bowl, please remember to make good choices and remain alert. And be sure to give the plowing equipment room to do their work safely.

As the slush is pushed from the road, driveway aprons and crosswalk approaches may become blocked. This may be quite wet and heavy to move, so take care, and remember to use your legs, not your back.

Driveways and crosswalks become blocked because plows can only push snow and ice forward and to the side in order to clear the roads.  As they travel, plows ride close to the curb in order to make streets wide and safe for all roadway users. Snow and ice builds on the blade of the plow as they work because the terrace and curb prevent it from falling off. At driveways and crosswalks, there is no curb or terrace. The snow and ice then slides off the plow and into these gaps.

The Sunday plowing operation is anticipated to conclude by the early evening. City crews will be ready come Monday morning to address any stubborn areas of hard packed snow that didn't thaw in time for the Sunday work to push it back to the curb. The intent is to have as much of the thawed hard pack pushed from the roads as possible in advance of the next potential snow event, which could come as early as Monday evening.

Streets Division staff will continue monitoring the roads and the weather. 

Tomorrow is Groundhog Day...how much longer 'til spring?

Cheers.