What To Expect When It Snows
Critical Streets First
The Public Works Department provides snow and ice control services for 150 lane miles of city streets at a cost of approximately $894 per lane mile. Primary and Secondary Snow Routes maps are available for download here.
Primary Snow Routes: Streets that serve multiple areas of the city are plowed first. Our focus on these streets ensures major arterial access for emergency vehicles (fire, ambulance and police) to all areas of Lafayette. See link above for snow routes.
Secondary Snow Routes: Our next focus is on streets that branch off Primary Routes into our neighborhoods. These streets are plowed to provide emergency access to and from Primary Routes.
Residential Streets: Residential streets are only plowed or treated if snow accumulations exceed 12 inches of undrifted snow depth and the snow is expected to stay on the ground for many days. Snow on residential streets is plowed to the side of the road. If possible, park off street to facilitate plowing.
Sidewalks: Chapter 7 of the Lafayette Municipal Code gives responsibility for clearing sidewalks to the adjacent property owner. Sidewalks must be cleared within 24 hours of a snow event. Snow should not be shoveled into the street or gutter.
Cluster Mailboxes: In areas with cluster mailboxes, park in the roadway and exit your car to retrieve your mail. Driving onto sidewalks packs snow and ice onto the sidewalk and creates a hazard for postal workers and pedestrians.
Shaded Areas: The shade cast by evergreens and multi-story houses can create icy sidewalk conditions and impede drainage. This can lead to ice build-up on the street. Public Works does not provide ice removal services in these areas because of potential damage to streets and sidewalks.
Ice-Melting Materials: The Public Works Department uses a complex chloride product to improve traction and to accelerate melting. This product is a low corrosive ice melt that dissolves slowly and stays on the road longer than ordinary salt.
Emergency Access during Severe Storms
If you have a police, fire, or medical emergency during a severe snowstorm, call 911. If necessary, your street will be plowed to accommodate emergency vehicles.
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