Team Effort Called For In Keeping Troy's Streets Clear In Winter

Winter's icy blast isn't over yet, and the City of Troy wants to ensure the safety and accessibility of its residents on the roads. When winter weather strikes, minimizing snow and ice hazards in Troy is a priority, but it requires a team effort between the City, its residents and businesses. The City of Troy manages its snow and ice control operation based on the following:

First Priority - Major City and County Roads
Second Priority - City Industrial Roads
Third Priority - School Entry Roads

After those roads are cleared, plowing operations on local/subdivision streets are initiated only when snow accumulates to more than four inches on a paved surface. After a snowstorm passes, it takes crews at least 24 hours to clear these local streets. For snowfalls of less than 4 inches, the City salts and sands hills, intersections and curves, as needed.

With the most recent snowfall on January 5 and 6, the City worked diligently to clear the priority roads, hills, intersections and curves. While the snowfall measures did not call for local road clearing (2.5"-3.5"), the City will be plowing the gutters over the next three days, before the slush is frozen in place to minimize hazardous conditions.

As always, we appreciate your patience during winter storms. The City also rotates which local neighborhood roads get plowed first. If your section was plowed first on the most recent snow day, then it may be last for the next one.

Residents and businesses are responsible for clearing their own driveways, sidewalks and privately owned parking lot areas (i.e. lots at apartment complexes and shopping centers). “The Department of Public Works is responsible for clearing over 360 miles of roads in Troy-the same distance as driving from Detroit to Sault Ste. Marie," Tim Richnak Public Works Director said. "Be assured that we will get to your road, but we need to be within the boundaries of our city-wide policy while always being fiscally responsible," Richnak added.

What can residents do to assist the plow crews in keeping the streets clear? The following can help maintain clearer streets in winter:

• Don't shovel/blow snow from driveways and sidewalks back onto the streets because it creates dangerous ice patches.
• Clear the lump of snow at the end of your driveway (but not back into the street).
• Don't park on the street after a snowstorm.
• Keep fire hydrants in front of your property clear of snow and ice.
• Residents should make sure the fire hydrant is visible and snow should be removed to an area of at least 5' all around the hydrant. Business owners should remind the people plowing their lots to keep snow piles a minimum of 10' from the hydrants.
• Storing or planting anything within 15' of a hydrant is illegal.
  (Info from Lt. Matlick of Troy Fire Department.)
• When driving, give salt trucks extra room.
• Beware of approaching snowplows as snow can be thrown and may contain rocks or road debris.
• Allow for extra driving time in inclement weather.
• Be a good neighbor and lend a hand to those in need!

Questions about the snow removal policy can be directed to the Department of Public Works at 248-524-3392.