Street/Sidewalk Winter Plowing

Street Plowing and Salting

Snow Plowing Priority Road Routes and Local Road Routes

The priority routes are considered our major streets. These routes are plowed and salted as necessary to minimize slippery road surface conditions. Local road routes include all remaining residential streets. These routes will be plowed after all priority routes have been cleaned. Local road routes are lightly salted, as needed, to control slippery conditions. 

In the event of a significant snow accumulation on one-way and other narrow streets, the city posts temporary 'no parking' signs in advance of efforts to remove excess snow. Residents are asked to make every effort to remove vehicles from streets where these signs appear so personnel can plow, haul snow and keep the streets passable and accessible.

East Grand Rapids Snow and Ice Removal Guidelines

Winter Street Priority Map                              Download Snowplowing FAQ Sheet

How Can You Help Make Snow Plowing Easier?

As snow begins to accumulate, residents are asked to park their vehicles in driveways so the plow trucks can clear the snow from curb to curb. This helps city crews keep East Grand Rapids streets clear of snow and ice. Private contractors may not leave snow plowed from driveways on the city's streets or sidewalks.

Watch our video below where Leon, one of our plow drivers, shares ways residents can help keep our streets and sidewalks safe during the winter. 

Driveways

When Public Works crews plow, snow from each pass is directed off the street to the side, which is where driveways connect to the street. Unfortunately, depending on timing that can mean that sometimes snow from the street can be placed across driveway approaches. The city recommends creating a receiving pocket in the direction of traffic when clearing snow that can receive snow from the street to avoid placement and buildup at the end of driveways. Below is a graphic illustrating this approach and solution to this issue.

Mailboxes

On occasion mailboxes can be damaged during snow removal. Please click here to see the City mailbox replacement policy

Fire Hydrants

The City attempts, at least once a winter season depending upon snowfall, to clear all hydrants. We would like to request and encourage residents with fire hydrants in their yards to help maintain access to the hydrants by shoveling them out periodically. This will provide quicker access in case of a fire.




Snow Removal by Private ContractorsTo report a contractor for depositing snow in the roadway or plowing snow across the street the City needs the Company Name, plate number, and where the violation occurred (address). Call 616-949-7010 to report violations. 

Sidewalk Plowing

Snow and Ice Removal Guidelines-Sidewalk Excerpt:


Salt is not used on sidewalks because it can damage/spall the sidewalk, is harmful to the environment and is cost prohibitive. The city uses small amounts of deicing products, that are concrete safe, like calcium chloride, at school crosswalks after snow events to improve safety at school crossing routes.

Sidewalk Damaged by Salt Picture:

What does the city use and why for sidewalk winter maintenance? Please click the following memo and other attachments utilized.

For more information on sidewalk winter maintenance and operations, click here.

Download Winter Sidewalk Priority Map

If you have questions or concerns about street or sidewalk plowing, contact the Public Works Department at 616-940-4870