(TROY, MI)
– The City of Troy Department of Public Works (DPW) snowplow crews are clearing 360 miles of roadway -- the same distance as
driving from Detroit to Sault Ste. Marie – a challenge the department takes on
in both an effective and fiscally responsible manner, thanks to the City policy
for establishing road clearance.
Prior to neighborhood streets, the
first priority for the department is major city and county roads, followed by
city industrial roads, and then school-entry roads. After those roads are cleared, plowing
operations on local/subdivision streets are initiated. The DPW’s goal is to clear Troy’s
local/subdivision streets within 48 hours following a seven to eight inch
snowstorm.
To be fair, the City rotates the
plowing schedule for neighborhood streets.
If a neighborhood was one of the first to be plowed at the last snow
event, it could one of the last for this one.
Residents and businesses are
responsible for clearing their own driveways, sidewalks and privately owned
parking lot areas (i.e. lots at apartment complexes and shopping centers).
Another task where the department needs
everyone’s help: that big lump of snow
at the end of the driveway.
“If we had the means to clear the lump
of snow that falls off the plow into the approximately 25,000 Troy driveways,
we most certainly would,” Public Works Director Tim Richnak said. “But it would take weeks to clear the roads
instead of days. There just aren’t
enough hours, staff time, money and equipment to do it, so we really appreciate
the help from residents.”
The following tips help maintain
clearer streets:
·
Don't park on the street after a
snowstorm.
·
Don't shovel/blow snow from driveways
and sidewalks back onto the streets because it creates dangerous ice patches.
·
Clear the lump of snow at the end of
your driveway (but not back into the street).
·
Keep fire hydrants in front of your
property clear of snow and ice.
·
Be a good neighbor and lend a hand to
those in need. Help shovel the driveways
and sidewalks for your elderly neighbors or anyone with a disability that
prevents them from shoveling snow.
Questions about the snow removal
procedures can be directed to the Department of Public Works at 248.524.3392.
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