Living in Colorado means snow, ice and freezing temperatures. The Town of Firestone recognizes the importance of snow removal for safe passage of emergency vehicles and to facilitate safe traffic flow for motorists in the community.
The Town’s snow removal plan outlines the procedures used for snow removal operations. Streets are plowed according to this plan to ensure the best time management, resources, equipment and manpower are utilized during a storm.
Plowing Our Roadways
Firestone maintains approximately 100 lane miles of roads and approximately 17 miles of sidewalks within Town limits. Town streets are plowed by priority: arterial streets (main roads) with high traffic volume, collector streets which funnel traffic from residential to arterial streets, rural roads and local streets (within subdivisions) with low traffic volume. View the Town’s snow removal map and snow removal list for more details.
Snow and Ice Accumulation in Gutters
The Town often receives phone calls in regards to snow and ice accumulation in the gutters along the streets. The Public Works team will work to alleviate concerns and potential problems. To help the flow of melting snow and ice, park slightly away from curbs and avoid covering storm drainage inlets.
Move Vehicles from Snow Routes
Help the Town in its snow removal operations by moving vehicles from priority snow routes. Vehicles that are stranded, abandoned or parked on priority snow routes may be ticketed and towed for impeding snow removal operations according to Firestone Municipal Code.
Plowing Schedule
Snow Predicted
When the forecast calls for 50 percent or greater for snowfall, the Town will apply magnesium chloride, which is a liquid de-icer applied to streets when conditions permit to prevent snow from bonding to the pavement and forming ice. The de-icer may be applied during or after a storm on snow packed roads to break the bond on the road surface to allow for easier plowing.
Falling Snow
Once snow has accumulated to 2 inches or more on streets, plow trucks will plow snow and lay down a granule de-icer to continue efforts of melting snow and ice. Amount and rate of product distributed is in accordance with manufacturers specifications and is controlled by a programmed on-board computer. The specifications are effective yet environmentally friendly.
Heavy Snow Fall
Residential streets are plowed down the middle to create a passable lane. Public Works makes every effort to plow snow in a manner that does not block driveways, sidewalks or parked vehicles. However, with heavier snowfall plows may leave a mound or windrow of snow along the streets edge.
Give Our Snow Plows Plenty of Room to Work
The Firestone Public Works snow plow team will work efficiently to clear roadways of snow for safe passage. If you meet a snow plow on the roads, please use caution and follow these simple tips.
Maintain a safe distance between your vehicle and the plow.
Refrain from passing any snow plow until the plow vehicle stops or turns. If you do decide to pass, make sure there is a clear path to do so.
Avoid driving into a snow spray cloud that is created by the plow as this may cause a total “white out” of zero visibility to the driver.
Shoveling Sidewalks for Safe Passage
Once the snow storm has ended, residents have 24 hours to clear their sidewalks to ensure safe, clear passage according to the Firestone Municipal Code. The Town makes every effort to keep snow in the right of way to avoid additional snow to adjacent sidewalks. Residents can also help the Town with its snow removal operations by shoveling snow from walks and drives onto their property, instead of into the street. This will create a cooperative partnership between the Town and its residents to keep roadways and sidewalks safe.
Are You Prepared for the Cold?
Living in Colorado means you must be prepared for cold weather when it hits. Read more about cold weather tips at http://www.firestoneco.gov/index.aspx?NID=450
