Winter storms can be trying for all of us; motorists, residents and snowplow operators alike. Each storm has its own character with variable conditions such as wind, temperature before, during and after the snowfall, timing, duration, and moisture content (light/fluffy, heavy/wet). Traction is frequently reduced, visibility limited, and traffic moves at slower speeds. Working together, we will be able to provide the important services of our winter maintenance program – KEEPING STREETS OPEN, ESSENTIAL TRAFFIC MOVING, AND RETURNING THE STREETS TO SAFE TRAVELABLE CONDITIONS QUICKLY. This goal can only be accomplished with your help. Your support and cooperation is essential and greatly appreciated.
Winter Driving Checklist & Tips
- Keep good, all-season tires on your car
- Stock your car with a winter survival kit, including an ice scraper, snow shovel, and sand or salt
- Clear snow and ice from all of your windows and lights before driving
- Allow extra time to reach your destination. During storms, travel only when absolutely necessary
- Brake earlier than normal and increase your following distance. It takes more time to stop in adverse conditions
- Keep a safe distance from plow trucks
- Be aware of Snow Emergencies
- Try not to park on City streets during any snow event
The City of Manitowoc Department of Public Infrastructure (DPI) is responsible for emergency snow services. DPI management utilizes public and private weather forecast services to determine when its response will begin for each storm and its deployment levels.
The primary responsibility for ordering out personnel and equipment for winter operations will be the Operations Division Manager. During off duty hours, the Operations On-Call-Manager will be responsible. During any snow event the Manager will communicate snow operations to the Director of Public Infrastructure.
DPI may pre-treat streets before snow falls with an anti-icing brine solution. Anti-icing is one of the relatively new technologies being used in the snow and ice control field. The brine solution, a liquid mixture of salt and water, is sprayed on the pavement before the storm, preventing ice from bonding with street surfaces. Once the liquid solution is sprayed, it evaporates and leaves behind thin lines of salt. The salt prevents the bonding of snow and ice to the street so snowplows can more easily keep the road clear. This process reduces the amount of salt that needs to be applied when streets are plowed.
When icy conditions occur in the city, hazardous situations will present themselves in numerous locations at the same time. It must be realized that salting crews cannot be in all places at all times, and the effect of salting is not immediate. Please avoid travel when adverse conditions exist.
Winter weather operations are categorized according to the type of storm and classification of the road. It is our goal to maintain the roads in drivable condition and quickly return them to normal conditions according to the priority classifications established below.
Priority 1 Main Streets/Salt Routes (Arterials) Clean, dry pavement in driving lanes
Priority 2 Secondary Streets (Collectors), Downtown Parking Lanes Snow and ice hard pack
Priority 3 Low volume Residential through Streets (Locals), Snow and ice hard pack
Dead Ends, Cul-De-Sacs and Alleys
Salting operations commence when there is accumulation of ¼ inch of snow or more but less than three (3) inches. Primary roads may be completely cleared of snow. Secondary roads will not be plowed but will have salt applied at intersections, hills and curves.
Plowing operations take place when a snowfall greater than three (3) inches has accumulated. This means that all streets in the City will be plowed based on their priority. If snow falls over a long time period, crews may repeatedly return to priority one areas before clearing lesser-used areas. Residents are asked to be patient in such situations. Crews will complete the job, but it will take longer.
Parking is regulated December 1st through March 31st. City Ordinance 10.410 states “(1) There shall be no parking on all marked State or Federal highways, County trunk highways, City bus routes, any industrial truck routes specified in MMC 10.750, in any municipal parking lot (with the exception of leased stalls) or in other designated streets in the City of Manitowoc during the months of December, January, February and March of each year between the hours of 1:00 a.m. and 6:00 a.m.” For a listing of specific streets, please go to www.manitowoc.org, click on Municipal Code, Chapter 10, 10.410.
Snow Shoveling - Per City Ordinance 7.210 it is the responsibility of the property owner to remove snow and ice from the sidewalk in front of or adjacent to their property. A minimum of $300 for the first offense, $600 for the second offense, and $900 for the third offense over a period of three years will be assessed for each time a sidewalk is cleared by the City or City’s contractor. For more information, please go to www.manitowoc.org, click on Municipal Code, Chapter 7, 7.210. Under this ordinance, it is also unlawful for any person or property owner to deposit any snow or ice onto any street, alley, walkway, or other public place in the City from private property. Property owners who practice this will be fined.
To report sidewalks not shoveled go to www.manitowoc.org and click on Report A Concern or call the Streets and Sanitation Division at 686-6550. Please make sure you have the address of the property.
More detailed information and Frequently Asked Questions can be found on the City’s website at www.manitowoc.org by clicking on Departments, Public Infrastructure, Snow & Ice Control.
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