Thursday, January 12th, 2023, 3:55pm
Have a question about how the roads get plowed? The Streets team has put together this FAQ to help show how they tackle each new snow storm:
What areas of plowed during a snow event?
The town is responsible for all roads paved, dirt or gravel inside city limits. Routes are plowed on a priority basis with arterial roadways, collector roadways, and school routes being top priorities. Clearing those roadways first enables emergency services to gain access into all residential areas normally with a few blocks of each residence.
What areas are not Town responsibility?
- There are a few roads within the town that are privately maintained.
- Highway 119 and 72 pass through town and is maintained by the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT).
- There are also various roads that are maintained by Boulder County which lead out of town. Some of the major ones are Caribou Road, Ridge Road, Magnolia Road and County Road 130 that goes to the high school and Eldora.
- RTD parking lot.
Are local streets and cul de sacs/subdivisions plowed after every storm?
Local streets, subdivisions, and cul-de-sacs are plowed after every storm unless the snow is expected to melt over the following 24 hours. An exception is made if the street has hills and curves that could become hazardous to motorists. On heavy storms, snow may not be removed until the following day after arterials and collectors are plowed.
Where should I park my car?
Please park all vehicles off the road. It is the resident’s responsibility to remove vehicles from sides of streets so the snowplow drivers can do their jobs safely and efficiently.
Subdivision streets are not plowed if parked vehicles or other obstructions interfere with the safe and continuous operation of snow removal equipment. Equipment may return to plow after obstructions are moved. When a snowstorm is forecast, residents are advised to move vehicles off the street if a snowstorm is forecast to allow safe access by snowplows.
NMC Section 8 -41/42: During any accumulation of snow in excess of six (6) inches, whether such accumulation is because of falling, drifting or blowing snow, it shall be unlawful to park or abandon a vehicle for any period of time along a public right-of-way. A police or code enforcement officer is authorized to remove or cause to be removed a vehicle from any street along a designated snow route if there is an accumulation of snow in excess of six (6) inches and the person in possession of the vehicle is not present or is unwilling or unable to provide for its immediate removal.
What should I expect after a snow event?
Depending upon temperatures, wind velocities and the extent of snowmelt, crews may have to widen travel lanes, remove ice, and perform other operations for up to several days after a snow event. Snow from adjacent properties can melt and re-freeze overnight, creating ice buildup on the street. To report ice buildup on a street, please call 303-258-3167 x 6010.
After the storm, the snow plow came through and plowed snow back into my driveway entrance. Why?
Cleanup and widening operations often take place one to four days after the snowstorm, depending upon the severity of the storm and wind conditions. It is often necessary to widen roads to ensure that ice and snow melt from the pavement surface to keep driving lanes open. Unfortunately, subsequent widening operations may push snow back onto sidewalks and driveways.
What about clearing the sidewalks?
Many times, sidewalks are cleared during the storm, but as the highways get cleared, the sidewalks can become impacted with cement snow again. Limited amount of equipment can clear the sidewalk when this happens and with a limited crew it sometimes can take a few days to get to them.
Residents and businesses are responsible for cleaning snow, sleet, ice, dirt, debris or any other construction within 12 hours of the last accretion (NMC 11-1: https://library.municode.com/co/nederland/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=CH11STSIPUPL_ARTISICUGU_S11-1RESNIC)
How should I handle my vehicle around plow equipment?
Multiple pieces of equipment are utilized to remove snow around town. When you see them in action, please give equipment adequate room to operate. Do not drive within a snowplow operator’s blind spot as they are not able to see you. For personal safety, never pass a snowplow that is engaged in snow removal. Snow and ice that comes off the plow blade can damage your vehicle or greatly obstruct your vision.