Snow Readiness Day

FROM THE CITY OF AMES

It’s not snowing yet, but the wants to be ready when those first flakes begin to fall. On Tuesday, Oct. 25, Public Works crews will prepare snowplowing equipment and head out on snow routes to identify any areas of concern.

“We are looking at this as a dry run,” said Corey Mellies, Public Works Operations Manager. “We want to get out our new equipment and see how it works on different streets and in different situations. We also want to identify problems such as low-hanging tree limbs that need to be trimmed or elevated manholes that cause difficulties for plow blades.”

The snowplows will be out on Tuesday morning, but they won’t have the blades down. After completing the regular snow routes and noting any concerns, the crews will gather for a meeting to share their experiences. Needed changes will be made before the snow season begins.

“We are trying to take a more proactive approach to snow removal and correct any issues we can before snow begins to fall,” Mellies said.

In addition to improving snow removal, the City of Ames wants to remind residents who park their vehicles along snow routes to pay attention to the weather. The Snow Ordinance goes into effect when two inches of snow falls on major arterial streets in Ames.

Snow routes are marked by red and white signs. Vehicles parked on snow routes when the Snow Ordinance is in effect may be ticketed and towed. Vehicles should be moved to off-street parking or to streets that are not designated snow routes. It is important to remember the Snow Ordinance remains in effect until the streets are completely plowed from curb to curb, and it has stopped snowing.

“Plowing around vehicles left on the street makes a difficult job even more challenging,” Mellies said. “As the snow continues, plowing around vehicles creates piles of snow that can create dangerous conditions for other drivers.”

While only vehicles parked on snow routes need to be moved when the Snow Ordinance is in effect, it is helpful to get as many vehicles off the street as possible.