Category Archives: snow events

Note RE City Snow Plowing

During this last snow event, many driveways were buried in snow due to the City snow plows coming after our contractor had already been through. Here is what the Saline Department of Public Works website says on the subject:

Driveway Snow

Why does the City plow snow into my driveway?
City snowplows plow the snow from the roadway to the side of the road. Our snowplows generally make at least two passes through each street. The first pass is typically during the storm or soon after the storm has passed. The second and/or subsequent passes is done to move the snow from the roadway or as close to the curb as possible to improve travel, provide for parking, and allow roadway runoff from snow melting and rain to reach the catch basins to prevent street flooding. The second and subsequent passes are typically completed several hours after the first pass of snowplows. This means that your drive approach will have at least two occasions where City plows will leave snow from the roadway in your drive approach. Immediately after the City snowplows deposit the snow in your drive approach is the best time and easiest time to remove it. Do not plow, shovel, or blow the snow back into the street.

As you clear your driveway and approach, pile the snow on the grassed area of your yard. This will keep snow from obstructing the roadway, and will also minimize the amount of snow pushed back into your driveway by snowplows. Residents should also make certain that their trash and recycling containers are placed off the edge of the road but close enough for the garbage collector to pick up the containers from the street without having to walk or climb through snow banks.
We would like to remind property owners and private snow removal contractors that State Law (Act 82 of 1978, vehicle code 257.677A) prohibits the plowing or shoveling or blowing of snow, ice or slush onto or across roadways or highways, as it can present a serious traffic hazard and fines and costs for court conviction could be up to $500. In addition, snow must not be piled in such a way as to obstruct motorists’ vision.

If you would like to go to the site, paste this URL into your browser:

http://www.ci.saline.mi.us/?module=Page&sID=government–departments–department-of-public-works–faq

 

Snow report Feb. 1

Paved areas of Northview remain very icy today due to the nature of the weekend’s weather. Please be especially careful when driving or walking around the neighborhood. Proceed slowly and be aware of potential hazards.

Sun. Feb 2 @ 9:30 a.m.: All driveways and sidewalks were reportedly completed by 7:30 p.m. last night. The contractor will be returning this afternoon to further clear sidewalk/pedestrian areas to the required width. The snow captain this weekend is Dave Algase, so please call 316-2652 with any questions or problems.

Sat. Feb 1 @ 2:30 p.m.: Our snow removal contractor has completed a first pass on sidewalks and began clearing driveways at 2:20 p.m. Snow switched to rain at around noon, and they needed to clear sidewalks first while the wet snow was still manageable with their equipment. Crews will remain working on-site until all 252 driveways are completed today.