January 12th, Snow Plowing and Sidewalk Clearing Updates

Follow City of Madison Winter updates

Snow Plowing Updates

Streets Division crews are out as the second severe winter storm is underway.  High winds and the deep accumulation of snow will make travel through the city increasingly difficult from now until the storm ends tomorrow. Non-salt route areas may see up to 8 to 9 inches of snow on them before plowing commences sometime Saturday. Due to the winds and the amount of snow, blowing and drifting will limit visibility, especially for roads along open fields on the edges of Madison.

Crews have been on the salt routes since the storm began. They have been plowing and salting the road as needed.

Work on the salt routes will continue through the storm as crews will work to keep up with the storm. Additional staff will also be working on the most critical portions of the salt route network to assist in treating these arterial roads.

Remaining on the salt routes will be a focus of the Streets Division during the course of the storm.

Evaluate your need to travel today and Saturday morning carefully.  

Conditions will be uniformly difficult due to the active snowstorm with roads becoming slippery, and it will worsen as the storm continues.

Non-salt route roads will see considerable snow build up as the storm wears on.  Citywide plowing does not start until the storm is at or near its end, which will likely be sometime Saturday.

Due to the high winds, snow blowing and drifting across roads will affect visibility as well, especially on the far east and west sides of Madison that are near large open fields.

When looking at all of these factors combined, travel will be difficult at best and made more formidable as the storm continues. Please make good choices when making your travel decisions.    

As a reminder, Streets Division crews did start trash and recycling collection earlier than usual today, Friday, January 12, in an effort to finish the pickup quickly.  Crews will not return for carts set out late, nor is there the capacity today to return for previously missed carts due to the weather conditions.

Streets Division staff will be monitoring the roads and the weather.  Operations will adjust as weather and conditions require.  Future updates will be provided.

Sidewalk Clearing Updates

Good Morning,
It is snowing. The earliest dateline to clear the snow from the public sidewalks -if the snow stops prior midnight- could be tomorrow Saturday January 13, 2024. Stay tune for any changes in the dateline.

Prompt removal is always in your own best interest. Forecast shows that temperatures will be in the single digits and below zero in the next days. Delaying the snow clearing will made the task more difficult and keep the public sidewalks unsafe for longer period.

If after removing the snow 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 or have difficulties removing the snow/ice.

Free sand is available at several locations around Madison. Learn more about snow rules and regulations. Visit the snow removal frequently asked questions.

Thank you!!