Snow Plowing/Sidewalk Clearing Updates: January 12, 2024

Snow Plowing Updates

A snow emergency has been declared. All city streets will be plowed beginning at midnight. Please choose off-street parking options tonight to help citywide plowing operations. Streets Division crews will remain servicing the salt routes through the afternoon and into the evening hours. 

Travel remains exceptionally difficult, and conditions will continue to worsen as the storm strengthens into the evening hours. Please make good choices when evaluating your need to travel today and through the night.  All roads are snow covered and slick.  Non-salt routes will see growing accumulation as the storm wears on prior to the citywide plowing operation.

At midnight, approximately 150 pieces of equipment combined from the City of Madison fleet and heavy equipment contractors will begin plowing all Madison roads. This citywide plowing will take longer than previous citywide plowing operations, and clean-up following this storm will take longer, too.   Typically, citywide plowing can take 14 hours on the longer side of average to complete once it begins.  This one will very likely take longer for the first pass of plowing to be completed. This is a very significant storm.

At the time the plowing operations commence, the storm may still be active, but with lighter, drier snow falling at a slower pace.  Rather than waiting several more hours, plowing will begin to push the bulk of what has fallen from the roadway to the curb. 

Streets Division crews will be working on keeping the salt routes maintained during this light snow, while heavy equipment contractors, additional Streets Division staff, and partner agencies will be simultaneously plowing residential streets. 

Regarding trash and recycling collection for Friday, January 12, west side operations were not able to complete their routes.  Additional details regarding that will be forthcoming as a news releases.  If you would like to receive City of Madison news releases delivered to your inbox directly, you can sign up for them at www.cityofmadison.com/News.

Streets Division staff will be monitoring the roads and the weather throughout this event.  Operations will adjust should road or weather conditions require it.  Future updates will be provided.

Sidewalk Clearing Updates

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.

Be safe and stay Warm!