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Snow Removal
Snow & Ice Control in the City of Tallmadge
Public safety is the first priority during snow and ice control on the city's 100 miles of streets.
City Snow & Ice Control Policy
The city's policy is to ensure roadways are maintained in such a manner as to minimize economic loss to the community, prevent or reduce accident or injury, and provide safe access for emergencies by Fire, Police and Ambulance services.
The implementation of plowing and salting are governed by weather conditions and by priority assigned to individual city thoroughfares. In the event of a snowfall, salt is generally applied for snowfalls of 2 inches or less. Plowing is initiated after accumulations of 2 inches.
The size of the operation is based on the severity of the storm. We may use only one or two trucks to handle intermittent salting of isolated slippery spots but a full scale plowing for a major storm will use up to 11 pieces of equipment depending on available manpower. Snow and ice control is a 24 hours a day, 7 days a week operation.
Operation Scale
The size of the operation is based on the severity of the storm. We may use only one or two trucks to handle intermittent salting of isolated slippery spots but a full scale plowing for a major storm will use up to 11 pieces of equipment depending on available manpower. Snow and ice control is a 24 hours a day, 7 days a week operation.
Highest Priorities
- Highest priorities are assigned to main thoroughfares, i.e. East and West Avenues.
- Next, in order of priority are collector streets (secondaries), those connecting main roads, i.e. Overdale Drive, school zones and designated hills and curves.
- Finally residential streets can be plowed and or salted after higher priority roads are cleared and remain clear.
For additional perspective on the priority of streets and thoroughfares for snow and ice control, view the Priority Map (PDF).
When a major storm comes, a general plowing is called. It may take 12 to 16 hours to complete snow removal after the storm ends. After the initial plowing, there's more work to do. We clear snow islands left by parked cars, touch up intersections and widen passages on residential streets. Cleanup goes on for several days after the storm.
Plows have to make four to six passes on a street to clear it curb to the curb. It is best for residents to wait, if possible, until we've finished plowing before shoveling out your driveway approach. We cannot prevent snow from being deposited in driveway approaches during plowing operations, but deposits can be minimized if the operator doesn't have to decrease his speed for pedestrians or parked vehicles.
Plows & Driveways
Plows have to make four to six passes on a street to clear it curb to the curb. It is best for residents to wait, if possible, until we've finished plowing before shoveling out your driveway approach. We cannot prevent snow from being deposited in driveway approaches during plowing operations, but deposits can be minimized if the operator doesn't have to decrease his speed for pedestrians or parked vehicles.
Despite the high level of service provided, no guarantee can be given that the roads will be completely clear of snow and ice.
It takes time for salt to become effective after roads are salted. Salt begins to lose its effectiveness at temperatures below 22 degrees Fahrenheit. In severe cold weather below 18 degrees Fahrenheit, even salt will not prevent roads from icing up.
Rush hour snowfalls and sustained heavy storms also increase the time needed to complete operations. Heavy traffic blocks the snow removal equipment and sustained heavy snows require that our equipment concentrate efforts only on main thoroughfares.
Cold Temperatures & Salt
It takes time for salt to become effective after roads are salted. Salt begins to lose its effectiveness at temperatures below 22 degrees Fahrenheit. In severe cold weather below 18 degrees Fahrenheit, even salt will not prevent roads from icing up.
Timing & Storm Length
Rush hour snowfalls and sustained heavy storms also increase the time needed to complete operations. Heavy traffic blocks the snow removal equipment and sustained heavy snows require that our equipment concentrate efforts only on main thoroughfares.
In extreme conditions, ask yourself:
- Is your journey essential?
- Do you have a full fuel tank?
- Does anyone know where you are going and when you hope to arrive?
- Have you checked the weather forecast and road conditions and carefully considered the advice given?
- Would taking warm clothing, hot drinks, food, shovel and traction material be a wise precaution?
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Related City Ordinances
Review some of the city ordinances related to snow and ice control that we have provided for your convenience.