Snow and Ice Removal Plan and Procedures

Spanish Fork City is committed to provide snow and ice removal as quickly as possible to provide safe travel for its citizens.

As a division, our goals for snow plowing includes:

• All priority 1-3 streets (see below for description of priorities) plowed and/or salted within 24 hours after a storm.
• Reduce the cost of snow removal through proper, efficient usage of equipment and materials.
• Adequately train crews to operate snow removal equipment so time required to remove snow and ice is lowered, thus increasing the safety of the traveling public.

Only streets under the jurisdiction of Spanish Fork City will be plowed. Property owners will be responsible for snow removal on private roads. Snow removal from state highways and county roads is carried out by the Utah Department of Transportation and Utah County Public Works Department respectively.

Priority for snow removal is as follows:

Priority 1- Arterial, Collector, and Steep gradient roads streets

Priority 2- Minor Collector Streets and Special Request

Priority 3- Residential through streets

Priority 4- Cul-de-sac and Dead End Roads

Procedures

Salt
   Research has found that the proper use of mined road salt can provide both the traction and melting power necessary for quality service. Mined salt contains a natural blend of trace minerals that can provide traction and melting power at temperatures well below freezing while lowering the negative impacts on the environment caused by the use of sand and other particulates. Mined salt also melts at temperatures lower than that of white salt. By using this material, operators can use less material to accomplish this essential service.

On-Street Parking
   There are many inherent obstacles that our plows navigate as they work to clear snow from our streets. In order to allow plows to maneuver safely, please refrain from parking on the street from November 1st to March 31st when there is a measureable amount of snow on the street and the street has not been plowed since the snow fell. This will help prevent property damage and allow the roadways to be cleared.

Snow Blowing and Shoveling
   When removing snow from sidewalks and driveways, do not throw the snow out onto the roadway as you may create a hazard for other vehicles. This also causes snow buildup along the edge of the roadway that can cause vehicles to get stuck or restrict access to driveways.

Sidewalks
   Residents are responsible for clearing sidewalks, and mail box access adjacent to their home. Although the city does not have the resources to ensure sidewalks are cleared, it is strongly recommended that sidewalks are cleared within 24 hours after a storm.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)

1. Why wasn't my street plowed?
   • The street is not maintained by Spanish Fork City. Spanish Fork does not plow/salt state highways, county roads, or private roads.
   • There was not enough room for the snow removal equipment to maneuver on this road. Often we are called back to roads and find there are too many cars parked on the street for the operators to maneuver safely. If this is that case, contact your neighbors and help move cars to provide adequate space.
   • The snow may be compacted and covered with ice. Our crews try to respond as quickly as possible; however, sometimes traffic compacts the snow before our crews reach the road. The low temperatures cause a layer of ice to form. In many cases this can not be removed by our plows. Only new accumulation can be removed until ice melts.
2. Why do the plows always push snow into my driveway entrance?
   • The snow must be removed from the travel lane of the road. When the City receives a heavy snowfall, plows have to continue to make several passes until the roadway is safe to travel. This causes snow buildup along the edge of the roadway. As you shovel, do not throw the snow out onto the roadway as you may create a hazard for another vehicle. Place the snow on private property or well beyond the outside shoulder and travel lanes.
3. When are the snowplows deployed and for how long are they out?
   • During regular scheduled working hours the Public Works Department, with assistance from the Public Safety Department, will monitor street conditions and be responsible for analyzing street conditions. Usually crews are dispatched when snow begins to accumulate. During off-duty hours, the Public Safety Department and Streets Division Manager will dispatch units in the affected areas. These units stay working until all work is completed. If the work takes longer that 12 hours to complete new operators will be called out.

You can assist in our snow removal operations in several ways...

• Always park your vehicle off the street. Vehicles left in the roadway create unnecessary obstacles for snow removal operators to work around and can slow the process of properly clearing roads.
• Travel at a safe distance from snow plows at all times to avoid damage to your car. Do not try and pass these vehicles.
• Please be patient if you are required to wait behind a piece of snow removal equipment.
• Make certain that your speed is reasonable for conditions.
• Advise your children never to play near or in a snow bank near the roadway.
• Exercise extreme care and caution when driving in inclement weather. Your safety and the safety of other motorists and pedestrians is the highest priority.
• Restrict travel as much as possible during severe weather. Remember, in most cases roads will be cleared within 24 hours of a storm.
• Do not attempt to stop a snow removal vehicle or obstruct its path.
• If you can, please help your neighbors who are elderly or disabled clear driveways and sidewalks.
• Keep obstructions such as portable basketball hoops, trash cans, and toys off the street and sidewalks at all time during snow removal.

If you have a request for snow plowing in your area, fill out a Snow Plowing Request.