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Winter Operations

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Emergency Storm Plowing
  • Plowing Operations:
    •  When weather permits, plowing occurs during regular shifts. Otherwise, plows typically start between 10 PM and 11 PM, with additional crews joining at 3 AM.
    • All snow removal equipment is fully operational by 3 AM, and plowing is generally completed between 2 PM and 3:30 PM, depending on snowfall, conditions, and equipment reliability.
  • Plowing and Sanding Route Priorities:
    1.  Major arterials (e.g., Gateway, DeMers, Washington, Columbia)
    2. Secondary arterials, bus routes, and downtown areas (e.g., Cherry, Belmont)
    3. All other streets, divided into twelve plowing areas
      • The Sanitation Department assists by plowing alleys with pickups and payloaders.
      • The Streets Department Sign Shop plows public sidewalks and bike paths not maintained by private owners (approximately 43 miles) after other priorities are completed.
      • The goal is to plow all streets within 24 hours after snowfall ends. However, additional snow or high winds may delay this.
  • Driveway Clearing:
    • Driveway clearing is not performed during emergency snow removal but is done during the normal snow removal schedule.
  • Ice Control:
    • Sand/salt trucks prioritize main and secondary arteries with sand and/or salt treatment depending on conditions.
    • Residential areas are sanded as time permits.
  • Snow Removal Ordinances:
    • Property owners must remove snow and ice from sidewalks within 24 hours of snowfall.
    • It is illegal to push or deposit snow onto City streets or sidewalks, with penalties ranging from $10 to $500 upon misdemeanor conviction.
    • View City Ordinance

    Non-Emergency Snow Removal Schedule
    • The normal snow removal schedule is consistent but may be interrupted by emergency snow removal. The regular schedule resumes once emergency procedures are complete.
    • Example: If a storm occurs on Sunday, emergency procedures start Sunday night, delaying Monday's normal schedule until the following week.
    • No Parking: 8 AM to 4 PM for street maintenance activities.

    Winter Operations
    • The Streets Department is responsible for plowing and treating approximately 625 lane miles in winter.
    • The goal is to provide safe access to homes, businesses, public buildings, and medical facilities during winter storms.
    • Weather and local road conditions are constantly monitored. Streets crews, along with the Police and other city departments, are on call to address icy or dangerous situations, with main and secondary arteries prioritized.

    Contact the Streets Department:
    • Phone: 701-738-8740
    • FAX: 701-738-8749
    • Address: 724 N. 47th St., Grand Forks, ND 58203
    • Email: click here