(Troy, MI) – The City of Troy's Department of
Public Works continues its proud tradition of excellence in effective snow and
ice control, even in the wake of this morning’s snow storm.
“The DPW’s goal is to clear our local/subdivision
streets within 48 hours following a seven to eight inch snowstorm,” Assistant
City Manager Brian Murphy said. “Our
crews have been out since 6 am today.
Contractors will move into the subdivisions this afternoon and as soon
as we have the major and industrial roads done today at approximately 4 pm, our
crews will be out in the subdivisions.
We anticipate having the neighborhood streets cleared within 48 hours at
the very latest.”
The City’s Public Works crews will continue to
work 12-hour shifts during this snow storm and during the next storm that is
predicted for Saturday night. If
neighborhood streets are not complete when the next storm hits, all crews will be
reassigned to major roads, but we do have contractors that will remain in the
neighborhoods until streets are cleared.
There is a City policy for
establishing road-clearance priorities. 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 Department of
Public Works is responsible for clearing over 360 miles of roads in Troy -- the
same distance as driving from Detroit to Sault Ste. Marie," Richnak
said. “The City’s policy provides the
basis for managing our snow and ice control operation in both an effective and
fiscally responsible manner.”
The effectiveness of Troy’s
DPW is evident to many city residents.
“When I’m driving to work
following a storm, I can tell the moment I drive out of Troy’s city limits,”
resident Ann Toth said. “The roads are
never quite as clear in surrounding areas as they are right here in Troy. It gives me a great perspective for
appreciating the tremendous work they do.”
To be fair, the City
rotates which local neighborhood roads get plowed first.
"If your section was
plowed early in the most recent snow storm, then it may be near the end of the
plowing operation for the next one," Richnak said. "As always, we appreciate your patience during
winter storms and your help in supporting us as we clear roadways. It really is a team effort."
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). Richnak says they also need everyone’s help
with that 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 driveways, we most
certainly would,” 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.”
What can residents do to
assist the plow crews in keeping the streets clear? The following can help maintain clearer
streets in winter:
·
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.
·
When driving, give salt
trucks extra room.
·
Beware of approaching
snowplows as snow can be thrown and may contain rocks or road debris.
·
Allow for extra driving
time in inclement weather.
·
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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