Snow and Ice Removal

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Snow Removal Expenses 2008-2009 (PDF document)
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PROGRAM
The goal of our snow and ice control program is to provide safe streets for the traveling public. Many factors affect the manner that we utilize to meet this goal. Some of the prime concerns are the type of storm (snow or ice), time of day, weather conditions, weather forecast and the availability of melting agents. Every winter storm has it's own special circumstances which must be dealt with accordingly. Following are some of the criteria we use, which may help you, better understand our snow and ice fighting procedures. Also there are some helpful hints to minimize the inconvenience of the snow and ice of the winter season.

CRITERIA
Our first priority is given to the major streets and areas of emergency response. The second priority is given to streets that are arteries to different sections of the City and known problem areas. After the first two areas are clear, we move on to the residential streets. This is the order used for both salting and plowing.

SALTING
Many factors affect the efficiency of salt as a melting agent. The temperature of the atmosphere, the amount of traffic and the build up of ice and snow will all affect its ability to melt the ice and snow.

Shortly after snow and/or sleet begin to fall, our salt trucks are dispatched. If the temperature at that time is below 20 degrees F and the sun is not out, we add calcium chloride to the salt to enhance its melting properties. Depending on the severity of the storm and the weather forecast the entire length of every street might be salted or as little as only the problem areas might be salted.

PLOWING
Plowing operations usually commence when the snow reaches a depth of approximately two and one half inches. All traveled lanes of the roadway will be plowed and then, if conditions warrant, we will plow all streets curb to curb.

GENERAL INFORMATION
Troy has approximately 100 lineal miles of streets. Many of these streets have more than one lane giving us additional surface to clear. We have seven 2-ton trucks and 4 smaller trucks equipped with snowplows. All of the 2-ton trucks are equipped with salt spreaders, and three of the smaller trucks have salt spreaders. This equipment is operated primarily by the Street Division, which during heavy storms receives assistance from many other City departments. If necessary 12 hour shifts are set to allow us to work around the clock.

An average 2 to 4 inch snowfall requires approximately 20 hours to plow all the traveled lanes of traffic. Salting of all City streets requires approximately 8 hours.

In the downtown area, after a heavy snowfall, the snow will be piled near intersections and then hauled away as time and conditions will allow.

During an average winter season. The City of Troy will spread approximately 1200 tons of salt, use approximately 2500 gallons of calcium chloride and expend approximately 2500 man-hours fighting the winter storms.

The City of Troy has a Snow Emergency ordinance. The main focus of this ordinance is to eliminate parking on City streets in order to enhance our snow removal efforts.


PUBLIC HELP
There are many things that the public can do to help themselves and us. By not parking your vehicle on the side of the street until after the snow plows have the snow removed will help us by not having to plow around them and will help you by your not having to shovel them out after being plowed in and not having to shovel the street around them to park.

To minimize the amount of snow pushed back into your driveway, pile the snow on the right hand side of the drive as you face the street.

Keep yourself informed of hazardous weather conditions so you can anticipate potential driving problem. The City of Troy will try to keep you informed of any restrictions by having them broadcast on Cable TV channel 9 and local radio stations as well as the Troy Daily News.

IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS CONCERNING SNOW AND ICE CONTROL IN TROY, PLEASE CALL THE TROY STREET DIVISION AT 335-1914.