Public Works Department

Snow Removal Program

City crews are on call at all times during winter months to plow and sand streets to make travel as safe as possible.  Much of the work is done at night and Equipment Operators work very long shifts and are very appreciative of courteous drivers and residents.  Please help them help you. 

 

What you should know:

• Parking on City streets
• Plowing schedule
• Plowing procedures
• If you car has been towed
• College Hill
• Citizen's Responsibilities

Can I park on Snow Routes?

Yes--during a Green Alert only. 

When snow begins to accumulate you are asked to find alternate places to park. 

Snow Routes are considered to be the minimum network that must be kept open for emergency services, including police, fire and emergency medical assistance.  These routes are indicated by Snow Routes signs. 

When winter weather conditions warrant, a RED ALERT will be called.  There is no parking allowed on during a RED ALERT and vehicles will be towed away at the owners expense.  

Information will be provided by radio announcements and residents may call the 24-hour snow hotline at 375-4646 for a recorded message on Snow Route status. 

When will my street be plowed?

The priorities have been set for plowing and sanding:

1. hazardous intersections
2. snow routes
3. downtown and bus routes
4. local streets
5. cul-de-sacs
6. alleys 

When a major storm occurs, it may be necessary to temporarily drop the lower priorities in order to keep the snow routes open for travel.

After 5:00 p.m., on weekends and on holidays, citizens are asked to call the Police Dispatch non-emergency number, 385-2900, to report icy conditions.

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Why did they plow in my driveway or sidewalk? 

A most frequent complaint from residents is that their driveways and sidewalks have been plowed full of snow by the plows.  While this is an inconvenience, it is necessary if streets are to be cleared for travel in a timely, cost effective manner. 

Snow and ice that are allowed to remain on streets cause poor drainage and deterioration of asphalt. 

Safety is another factor. Many streets are bordered by parking spaces.  Allowing snow to pile up can create a hazard by forcing parked cars and bicyclists closer to traffic as more snow accumulates.  Plow drivers will try to clear the streets to the curb line. 

The elderly may call the Durango, La Plata Senior Center at 382-6429 for information on snow removal services available to them.

My car was towed - Now what?

When the City has your car towed, you can call the Police Department at 385-2900 to find out where it has been taken.

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Why is College Hill closed to traffic?

There are gates located at the top of the hill and at the intersection of 8th Avenue and 8th Street. When the Fort Lewis College security personnel determine that the road is too dangerous for vehicular traffic, the gates will be locked and alternate routes must be used.

Flashing lights at the corner of 8th Avenue and 8th Street indicate when the road is closed. Goeglein Gulch Road via College Drive should then be used for access to Fort Lewis.

What are my responsiblities?

Snow and ice can create hazards.  We appreciate your help in preventing pedestrian injuries resulting from falls on icy sidewalks or from being forced to walk in the street due to uncleared or icy sidewalks.

Residents are required by ordinance to clear their sidewalks of snow. Please remember that it is illegal to push snow into the streets from driveways or any private property.

City ordinance requires parked vehicles to be moved every 24 hours. Citizen cooperation in moving vehicles off the streets will aid in providing safe streets in Durango.

Working together, the City and its citizens can make the snow removal program a success. The cooperation of residences, businesses and the City can significantly improve snow removal in Durango.

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