Common Council

Snow Plowing and Sidewalk Clearing Updates

Sidewalk Clearing Updates

Today's snowfall ended prior midnight. Any snow and ice accumulation from this event must be cleared from public sidewalks by 12:00 noon on Wednesday, December 29, 2021. Prompt removal is always in your own best interest. If after removing all the snow and ice accumulated there is any ice on the sidewalk that cannot be removed, keep the sidewalk effectively sprinkled with sand or another suitable substance to prevent the ice from being dangerous. If possible, please help your neighbors that may be unable to remove the snow. Do not rely in the outside temperatures to keep the public sidewalks free of snow and ice. Free sand is available at several locations around Madison. Learn more about snow rules and regulations. Visit the snow removal frequently asked questions.

Snow Emergency Been Declared/Snow Plowing Update

The City of Madison Streets Division will be plowing all residential streets beginning at 11pm tonight (12/28). A snow emergency been declared.

All residents who park on the street, including the snow emergency zone, must follow alternate side parking rules. All are encouraged to choose off-street parking options, or follow alternate side parking regulations, to assist with snow plowing. Residents that have a Wednesday trash & recycling container must not place their collection carts in the street gutter for pickup. Carts in the roadway are an obstruction just like a parked vehicle. Please use your driveway apron or a cleared section of your terrace to place your carts. When plowing gets underway tonight, the total plowing force will be approximately 150 pieces of equipment. This includes vehicles from the Streets Division fleet along with help from heavy equipment contractors, and assistance from the Engineering and Parks Divisions.

This particular snow event produced a wet, heavy snow. As streets are plowed, it will inevitably cause snow to fall into and block driveway aprons and crosswalk ramps.  Take precaution when clearing these areas. As the evening wears on, the temperatures will dip further below freezing. This could make the wet snow we received harden and make it harder to shovel, too. As you are planning your Wednesday morning commute, give yourself ample time to clear the driveway aprons, and also allow for extra travel time because residents are likely to encounter slippery, snow-covered streets during the morning commute, especially in residential areas.

Streets Division crews have been circling the salt routes throughout the day on December 28 and will stay on these routes until the storm ends. Through the night and by morning, the salted main thoroughfares may still have some slippery patches. Remember to make good choices and be alert, be slow, and be patient.
Citywide plowing takes several hours to complete and plowing may not be complete by morning. If you encounter plow trucks while on the roads, please be sure to give them space to do their work so they can operate safely.  During active plowing operations, sometimes streets can be temporarily blocked at intersections by windrows of snow as the trucks circle through the neighborhoods. Once plowing is complete, Streets crews will transition to further snow clean-up operations during the day on December 29, such as plowing areas with daytime parking restrictions and plowing areas that were blocked by parked cars.

Streets staff will continue monitoring the roads and the weather and future updates will be provided as conditions require.

Stay Informed of Snow Plow Updates

How you can stay informed: Get Snow Plow Updates informing you of what the Streets Division is doing to fight the current snowfall.
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