Madison Roads Update Following Historic Storm

I want to start by acknowledging the frustration many of you are feeling as our city grapples with the aftermath of a historic snowstorm. The impact on our roads, now covered in icy, compacted snow, has undoubtedly been a source of concern and inconvenience for everyone. In response to the numerous inquiries we've received, I want to provide you with some insights into our ongoing efforts to address these challenging conditions and assure you that our dedicated crews are working tirelessly, around the clock, to improve conditions of our roads. This storm presented unprecedented challenges. Temperatures below the threshold for effective salt application, subsequent snowfall, and frigid conditions have made our response particularly challenging. We received nearly 20 inches of snow in four days, followed by a week of frigid temperatures ranking among the top 5 worst storms Madison’s faced. Under favorable conditions operators are able to cover 24-mile loops in approximately two and a half hours, and I personally know that our staff have been working overtime to make our roads passable while working to not create new problems that can occur with melting and refreezing of snow that would have led to even worse road conditions. I owe them, the many partners across the City and County, and our emergency services staff who were out there through the weather event, a great and sincere thank you. The challenges created by this storm are not over but it is because of them that Madisonians were able to stay safe on Madison Streets and get to work, shelter and other destinations via bike paths, buses and City streets throughout the storm. 

The information below is provided by Madison Streets and has been disseminated in smaller increments through their Snow Plow Updates which are published each time our plows are deployed and which anyone can sign up for here. With additional snowfall expected on Thursday evening and rising temperatures over the weekend, new challenges may arise. We strongly recommend signing up for Snow Plow Updates to stay informed about operational developments. And we ask that you help us keep Madison safe by reporting icy patches through our "Report A Problem" system or by calling the Madison Streets offices. Your safety is our priority, and together, we will navigate these challenges.

What is Streets Division is doing to Address Road Conditions?

Presently, the roads are slippery and snow-covered, and this condition is expected to persist throughout the upcoming week. Our dedicated crews are working around the clock to apply sand to hills, curves, and intersections, while simultaneously responding to calls, emails, and radio dispatches from 911 operators. Given the extremely cold temperatures, salting is not a viable option at this time. Our response will continue 24/7, focusing on the consistent application of sand in areas requiring attention until salting becomes feasible over the weekend.

Why Do Roads Still Have Packed Ice?

The large storm that began on January 12 persisted until January 13, with temperatures remaining below the threshold for effective salt application. Subsequent snowfall on January 13 and into the early morning of January 14, under frigid conditions, further limited the efficacy of salt. Temperatures below 20 degrees hinder the effectiveness of salt, prompting a shift to sand application. The Streets Division's maximum salting rate is 300 pounds per mile of traffic lane, providing traction on snow and ice but not melting it. The dispersal of sand is concentrated at hills, curves, and intersections, though it diminishes as vehicles drive through, necessitating ongoing efforts to address these challenges.

Why Do Other Communities have Clearer Streets?

The size of Madison's responsibilities are vast, with 778 miles of roads within the salt route network. Plowing and salting operations take around two and a half hours for an operator to cover a 24-mile loop in favorable conditions. Severe weather and high traffic conditions extend the time required for these cycles. The recent storm, categorized as a once-in-a-decade event, presented challenges such as heavy snowfall, arctic cold, and high winds, making it difficult to keep up with salting efforts. Despite the difficulties, our teams are diligently working to address the situation, prioritizing sanding to manage road conditions effectively.

What about Salt Alternatives?

While salt is a commonly used de-icing agent, its negative side effects, including environmental impact and water contamination, are an important calculation in the City’s salt policy. Madison opts for sodium chloride and refrains from using more expensive and corrosive alternatives like calcium chloride or magnesium chloride. The decision to limit salt use is not only based on cost but also on environmental considerations, as these alternatives pose additional challenges and risks.

What about Future Snow Events?

With an inch of snowfall expected this evening crews will be on through the evening rush hours times applying sand where needed along the main thoroughfares to assist with traction. Crews will also be on during the overnight hours to continue applying sand as needed. Road conditions remain a challenge from the previous hardpack of snow and the fresh snow will continue to make things slippery. Please continue to make good choices when commuting through Madison.  You will need to driver slower than usual, and the roads will be bumpy in parts, unfortunately remaining this way until Sunday, January 21 at which point forecasts show a return to salting temperatures and we will begin to apply salt to the salt routes. 

The Streets Division acknowledges the difficulty presented by these road conditions and is committed to addressing it to the best of our ability while continuing with routine operations. If you encounter slippery roads, please report them through Madison’s "Report A Problem" system on www.cityofmadison.com/ReportAProblem or by calling the Madison Streets Division offices. Together, we can navigate these challenges by driving cautiously and ensuring the safety for our fellow drivers while preserving our water resources for future generations.