News Release

January 10, 2013

SL County Snow Removal Crews Prepare for Approaching Storm

As warnings of a significant winter storm are being announced, Salt Lake County snow removal crews are prepared to hit the streets to keep the roads clear and safe.

Salt Lake County is responsible for snow removal for unincorporated Salt Lake County and a handful of municipalities that contract with the county for this service. It’s important for residents to understand what they can do to ensure roads are safe and passable over the next few months.

Residents are responsible for keeping the sidewalks and mailboxes in front of their homes clear, and are advised to pile snow onto their yard, not the street. It is recommended that residents clear their sidewalks after county crews have plowed the roads. As outlined by county ordinance 11.20.130 (http://bit.ly/rJ90sD), any vehicle left on a designated emergency snow removal route may be towed at the owner’s expense.

County snow removal priorities are:
1. Major arterial streets: Provide connectivity and access to hospitals, fire stations, police stations and emergency medical services
2. Minor arterial streets: Access to public schools and selected “hot spots” such as steep hills
3. Streets serving public transportation
4. All remaining streets such as residential and local
5. Cul-De-Sacs

Main roads are expected to be cleared within eight hours, and residential cul-de-sacs within 48 hours, after the storm ends.

Residents should be mindful that snow removal equipment is harder to stop than a regular vehicle and less maneuverable. For snow removal questions please call the Public Works Department at (385) 468-6101.