Public Works Department
Snow and Ice Control Program
(303) 438-6334

The summary below answers the most commonly asked questions about the program. It also addresses costs involved in snow removal.

The complete Snow and Ice Control Program manual can be reviewed in the Public Works Department. The purpose of the manual is to provide general operational guidelines for the Public Works staff involved in snow and ice control. It includes procedures for operation during different types of storms, manpower and equipment resources, contractor operating procedures, and prioritized snow routes. The manual also includes specific procedures to address problems related to major storms, such as the blizzard that occurred in March 2003.

Broomfield’s Snow and Ice Control Program sets the policies and procedures used during snow conditions. The program includes prioritizing the City and County's street system, sidewalk and trail system, and parking lots for plowing and deicing operations.

 Street System

The first priority streets (major collector streets) are considered the minimum network that must be kept open for emergency services, including police, fire, and emergency medical assistance. Highlights of the program are as follows:

• Street Division snow and ice control crews work around the clock during storms using 12 trucks: 5 are equipped with plows and liquid deicing tanks, 6 with plows and spreaders, and one equipped with a plow and both liquid deicing and granular capability.
• There are 76.14 miles of major collector streets, 9.1 miles of streets abutting schools, 41.24 miles of minor collectors, and 78.14 miles of residential streets in Broomfield, for a total of just over 200 miles. The actual miles plowed and sanded are significantly more than that figure since a minimum of two passes is needed on each of the collector, school, and minor collector streets.
• Granular and liquid deicing material is applied to streets during snowstorms. Plowing begins when snow starts to accumulate on the streets.
• Deicing or plowing is done on a street priority basis. There are 126.48 street miles totaling 336.69 lane miles of priority routes. View these snow priority routes.

a. First priority: major collector streets.

A major collector serves multiple subdivisions or areas of the city. It collects traffic from minor collector streets. Streets in major business, commercial and industrial areas are also considered first priority. Streets abutting schools are considered first priority on school days.

b. Second priority: minor collector streets.

A minor collector serves a single subdivision or area of the city. It feeds traffic to major collector streets. Problem areas such as steep hills or sharp curves may also be considered second priority depending on storm conditions.

c. Third priority: stop sign approaches not covered in the first two priorities.

Residential streets are not normally plowed or ice-treated during routine storms.

• The snow and ice control program includes an emergency plan that goes into effect during major storms. A major storm is classified as any storm with snow accumulation of 8" or more. The plan provides for the plowing of all streets as first priorities.
• During heavy snowfalls, problems arise for residents when mounds of snow are left on the sides of streets and driveways become blocked by plowed snow. Although a concerted effort is made to plow in a manner that does not block driveways, it is not always successful. Residential streets are plowed down the center of the street in an effort to avoid covering sidewalks, parked cars, and blocking driveways. As quickly as possible, plowed snow blocking driveways will be plowed out of the way. Snow removal is not a normal part of the program. Broomfield regrets the inconvenience to residents that snowplowing operations may cause.

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Sidewalk and Trail System

Plowing of trails and sidewalks is done on a priority system. There are 27 miles of first-priority routes and 57 miles of second-priority routes. The Parks Division utilizes 20 assorted pieces of equipment, ranging from pickup trucks to snow blowers, to perform its plowing operations. Additional equipment from other divisions is allocated to this operation during major storms, as it becomes available.

• The first priority routes are primarily school routes that must be kept open when schools are in session. First priority also includes other high-use sidewalks and trails. It is the goal of the program to keep these walks plowed during the duration of the storm.

• Second priority routes are recreational and less-used sidewalks and trails. These routes are plowed after the storm subsides. It is the intent to have all hard-surfaced sidewalks and trails plowed by noon the day following the snowfall. This is in accordance with provisions in the Broomfield Municipal Code.

Parking Lots

City and County parking lots are also plowed and ice-treated on a priority basis. It is the intent of the program to have all lots serviced so customers and employees can access the facilities.

There are many questions asked each year about the City’s program. Following are responses to the most common questions.

1. Why aren’t residential streets plowed and treated with deicing materials during routine storms?

With over 204 miles of streets to maintain with 11 snowplows, it is not possible to service all of the streets. The equipment is kept busy 24 hours a day servicing the 122 miles of first and second priority streets. During major snow storms, contractual equipment is called upon to help with the operation.

2. During major storms, why is only one lane plowed on residential streets?

There are two reasons.

1. Time--It is important to service as many streets as possible in a short period of time. This enables more citizens to get around as soon as possible after the storm. Plowing two lanes would take twice as long, resulting in delays in service to some citizens.
2. Room--Due to parking on the streets, there is not room to plow two full lanes. One pass will provide an 8-foot lane. The time involved to provide another 3-4 feet is not time-effective.

3. Why not go back later to widen the lanes in residential areas?

After the storm subsides, crews will plow residential streets as wide as they can without covering sidewalks. Driveways that are blocked by snow left as a result of the efforts will be plowed open.

4. Why are some streets plowed curb to curb and others are not?

Most first priority streets are plowed curb to curb. The exception is street sections that have parking in front of residences. On some streets that have houses only on one side, it is possible to plow all the snow to the opposite side of the street. Streets are plowed curb to curb to provide for good traffic movement and to allow for adequate drainage once the snow starts to melt. Also, first priority streets usually have detached sidewalks that are not covered by this plowing operation. Plowing curb to curb in residential areas would result in covered sidewalks and blocked driveways.

5. Why not plow to the center?

Piling snow to the center of the street can create a very hazardous situation. Eliminating a portion of a lane restricts traffic flow. In fact, plowing to the center usually would not leave adequate lane width for traffic movement, especially fire equipment. The freeze-thaw cycle contributes to the deterioration of the pavement as well as creating problems when the melting snow freezes on the road surface every evening. This practice can also create sight obstructions for low-profile vehicles and cause problems for residents entering and exiting their driveways. Plowing to the center would have to be accompanied by a snow removal program.

6. Then why not remove the snow?

Cost !!

Snow removal is extremely expensive. Additional equipment would have to be purchased or contracted, and, if purchased, additional people would have to be hired.

For additional information about the program, call either the Street Division at 303-438-6334, or the Public Works Department at 303-438-6360.

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