READY, SET, SNOW!

The average annual snow fall in Iowa is approximately 33 inches. However, we all know how unpredictable our weather can be. At Public Works we rely on the most current meteorological information to predict our future needs. Des Moines has a population of 199,000 and over 913 miles of streets. Keeping the community mobile is a top priority for the City and we take a serious approach to the problems associated with snow and ice control.

Our Objectives

One of the primary objectives of the Public Works Department is to provide a plan for the safe and orderly movement of emergency equipment, vehicle traffic, and pedestrians through the City during adverse weather conditions. A snow and ice control plan has been developed to facilitate this objective. The City’s policy is to provide maximum service on major arterial streets and collectors roads comprising the basic street network needed to safely and orderly move the majority of the city’s traffic.

Our Priorities

When snow accumulations exceed one inch, plowing is initiated on the streets in the snow route system. Designated Snow Routes   are given first priority for snow and ice control. Clearance of snow from the snow routes normally takes from 24 to 36 hours after the snowfall ends.

When snow accumulations exceed four inches, Residential Plowing will commence after the completion of snow route plowing. Clearance of snow from the residential streets normally takes an additional 36 hours. If you live on or near a cul-de-sac or dead end, special equipment is used to plow these areas.

Snow removal in alleys is a low priority. Plowing is performed in selected alleys primarily to facilitate solid waste collection.

You can help!

Snow and ice control is a difficult and time-consuming operation. We need your help to enable us to clear the streets more quickly and completely. Crews can do a better job of plowing when cars are not parked on the street. We ask that residents park their vehicle off the street during snow removal operations. City ordinance prohibits the parking of vehicles on a snow route when snow or ice removal operations are in progress. The equipment that we use to clear snow from streets may leave a ridge of snow across your driveway. It is the responsibility of the property owner to remove the ridge left by our snow plowing equipment. When shoveling out the mouth of your driveway, throw the snow to the right or left, but NOT in the street.

City Sidewalk Ordinance

To help ensure that sidewalks are safe during the winter, City ordinance requires residents to remove snow and ice from sidewalks within 48 hours following the end of the snowfall. Property owners who do not comply are subject to a civil citation. A helpful hint for residents on snow routes – clear your sidewalk after the snowplows have finished plowing to the curb. When you remove snow from your driveway or sidewalk, please remember that City ordinance prohibits placing snow on any public street, sidewalk, or right-of- way. Equipment operators often work 12 or more hours in a shift, and appreciate courteous and friendly drivers and pedestrians. Please help them to help you.

For more information:

Public Work 24 hour phone line 283-4950