I wanted to give you some information concerning snowplowing. The City has nine main routes that Provo City’s snowplows are sent to after snow starts to accumulate.
Snow plowing on arterial and collector roads always takes the first priority and high-capacity roads must come before smaller neighborhood roads. Next in priority comes regulated intersections, hillsides, and curves followed by secondary and residential streets.
One of the most common questions we get is why hasn’t the City plowed University Avenue. Many are surprised to learn that roads owned by the State are plowed by the UDOT (Utah Department of Transportation) and not the City. These include University Avenue, State Street, Geneva Road, and parts of University Parkway, Center Street, 300 South, and 500 West. Much like the City, they also make difficult decisions about which roads get attention first. I-15 will always come before State roads within our City.
How Can You Help?
This is a friendly reminder that when it snows, residential and business property owners are responsible for keeping sidewalks safe.
The Provo City Code states that the owner, tenant, or lessee of the property must remove snow or ice from the sidewalks any time that the average snow depth exceeds one inch, or when snow or ice on the sidewalk presents an unreasonably dangerous condition. Most cities have a similar requirement.
Here’s what we all need to do:
Park cars off the street.
Move obstacles like basketball stands and disabled vehicles off the street.
Place garbage and recycling containers close to the curb and bring them in as soon as you can.
Clear your sidewalk any time the snow gets deeper than an inch. (Remember, you, as the owner, tenant, or lessee of the property are required to remove snow or ice within 24 hours.)
Consider those around us who need some help such as older neighbors and neighbors who are out of town. Help them out!
If you leave town, make arrangements for snow removal in your absence.
Take care not to pile the snow high and don’t pile it into the street. Don’t blow it into the street either. Leave the sight lines open. (If the snowplow throws snow onto your walk, please understand it’s unavoidable and clear the way again.)
Remember, snowplow trucks are difficult to maneuver and may have less traction than a car. Don’t try to pass one on a hill. Give a snowplow plenty of room.
When removing snow from sidewalks, property owners should make every effort to keep the snow on their property to prevent obstructing street travel or limiting the visibility of motorists. Some sidewalks are so close to travel lanes that city and UDOT snow plow crews may throw snow from the street onto sidewalks. While this can be frustrating for property owners, it does not reduce the importance of keeping sidewalks safe for pedestrians.
By working as a cohesive community, we increase the effectiveness of our efforts and make our city a safer place to walk and drive. The public may report sidewalk snow and ice hazards to the city by dialing 3-1-1. You can also read the city ordinance regarding sidewalk snow removal here (look for section 9.16.040).
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