The days of 70 degree temperatures from last week are long gone, and the City of Des Moines Public Works Department is now geared up for the first snow removal efforts of the season.
"This is the first opportunity of the year to get our 200 snowplow operators out on the road removing snow,” Deputy Public Works Director Adam Smith said. “Because of the timing of this snow and the morning commute, we have an aggressive plan in place to start spreading salt and plowing early to make sure Des Moines roads are safe to travel in the morning."
With forecasts varied and pavement conditions hovering around the freezing point, the Streets Maintenance Division of Public Works isn’t taking chances.
“We began preparing to clear our 2,200 miles of lane miles last week,” Smith said. “Our trucks have their plows and spreaders on and are ready to go to work keeping the roads as clear and safe as possible throughout the snowfall.”
A team will be in place overnight to monitor problem spots on Des Moines roads and call in backup if conditions worsen earlier than expected. Additionally, the day shift of the snow removal team will hit the roads early at 5 a.m. Tuesday morning in order to get a head start on snow removal, spreading and clearing any accumulation first on Des Moines’ priority snow routes.
With any snow storm this season, Des Moines visitors and residents can track plowing progress and stay prepared for winter weather at DMSnow.org or by following @dmdpw on Twitter and Des Moines Public Works on Facebook. Residents may also opt in to receive text alerts by texting DMSNOW to 96000.
Residents will have 48 hours after the snow stops to clear their sidewalks before they could become subject to administrative penalties of at least $75 that increase with repeated violations.
Low-income seniors and disabled persons unable to remove their snow due to physical and/or financial constraints are encouraged to contact United Way 2-1-1 to locate snow removal assistance available to private property owners in Des Moines.If there are any questions about City snow removal, residents are encouraged to call the 24/7 Public Works Customer Service Center at 515-283-4950.
Original source can be found here.
Alerts Sign-up