A few facts about maintaining the city streets

Did you know that maintaining 204 lane-miles is the equivalent of sweeping, moving snow and general maintenance on one lane of Interstate 80 to Cheyenne, Wyoming and back? The Sidney Street Department has 15 pieces of equipment of which, only ten clear snow.

Why are some streets cleared better than others?

Different equipment clears snow and ice differently than others. Motor graders have cutting edges that can get under the packed snow and ice to clear the streets to pavement. Truck plows push snow off the roadway, but run across packed snow and ice. The Street Department has one motor grader.

Why does it take so long to clear the streets of snow and ice?

There are several answers to this question.

1. Equipment used to remove snow and ice must be driven at low speeds.

2. The amount of accumulation is also a factor. Larger accumulations means longer clearing time.

3. Emergency Snow Routes are given priority over all other streets and may need to be cleared more than once.

4. Weather conditions such as high winds and drifting cause longer clearing times.

5. Traffic volume also affects clearing times. Ideally, snow removal would take place at night when traffic volumes are low, however this is dependent on when the snow starts and stops.

What is the snow removal policy?

You can view the city’s complete snow policy by visiting their website at cityofsidney.org, and entering the term “snow policy” into the search bar.

Instructions on shoveling snow off sidewalks and driveways:

• Remove snow from the end of your driveway and the length of sidewalks and place snow in adjacent areas on your own property

• Do not place snow in the street

The City of Sidney would like to sincerely thank you for your patience and courtesy to our employees during this time.