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1. Why does the snow plow go down the street with the plow up?

In a snowfall less than three inches, Priority 2 and 3 roads will not be plowed but will have salt applied at intersections, hills, and curves 

Each plow vehicle has their designated route throughout the city. We do not plow to and from routes.

The plow could be traveling back to the shop for repairs.

The plow could be traveling to get a refill of salt or sand.

The plow is traveling back to its route after a refill or repair.

2. When do you plow?

When a snowfall of greater than three inches has accumulated the Director of Public Infrastructure will authorize an action plan for general plowing (plowing all streets in the City).

When snowfall of less than three inches has accumulated, salt and/or plowing may be utilized. Primary roads may be completely cleared of snow and salt applied. Secondary roads will not be plowed but will have salt applied at intersections, hills and curves.

3. I thought the City did not use sand on the streets anymore. Why are crews putting sand on the streets?

When pavement temperatures are five (5) degrees or below salt is ineffective. Under these circumstances sand is put on the road for traction.

4. Why is my street always last to be plowed?

Intensity, duration and timing of the snow event present unique challenges and may result in longer times than anticipated before we are able to remove the snow from every street. As main streets are cleared, we will proceed to the secondary streets and to low volume residential through streets, dead ends and cul-de-sacs, and alleys. Continued snowfall may require that we return to the main streets or dedicate equipment such that we may experience significant delay in getting to Priority 2 and 3 streets. Crews have 16 plow routes which can be seen on the Snow/Salt Maps page. If a snow plow operator finishes their route, they will assist on other routes in order to complete all routes as quickly as conditions allow.

5. Why has the plow left a large amount of snow in my driveway and in front of my mailbox so that I can’t get my car out or get to my mailbox? When will they come to clean It up?

Our goal is to clear the roadway for safe travel. Unfortunately, snow deposited in your driveway and in front of your mailbox is an inconvenient result of plowing. There is no other way to accomplish snow plowing operations on City streets. The greater the snowfall, the greater the amount of snow plowed into your driveway and in front of your mailbox. City crews will not remove snow from the end of private driveways or from in front of mailboxes. Adjacent property owners are responsible for clearing the snow to gain access to the roadway and mailbox. While some property owners may think the snow from the entire width of the street has been deposited at the end of their driveway, please be assured that snow plow operators do their best to make sure everyone receives the same amount of snow. We regret the inconvenience.

6. My sidewalk needs to be shoveled because the plow plowed snow onto it. When will you be here to do that?

Every effort is made to minimize snow deposited on sidewalks. Unfortunately, the City does not have the available resources to clear sidewalks. And, as outlined in Manitowoc Municipal Code 7.210, snow and ice removal from sidewalks is the responsibility of the adjacent property owner.

7. My mailbox was damaged by the snowplow. What do I do?

Property owners should fix the mailbox and then file a claim form for the damage either online or in person at the City Clerk’s Office (900 Quay Street).  Remember to check your mailbox to make sure that it complies with Manitowoc Municipal Code 7.125, Location of Mailboxes.