Detroit's snow removal policy: When do streets get plowed?

Detroit preparing for major winter storm

While the snow plows are ready for whatever is thrown at them, it's the wind that could throw a wrench in the plans of Detroit's Department of Public Works that will have to contend with multiple forms of severe weather.

(FOX 2) - Wind, snow, and freezing temperatures are expected to hit Southeast Michigan, starting with a wintry mix of rain and sleet falling Thursday evening.

After that, things get a bit dicey as temperatures fall and the precipitation transitions to snow. Residents can thank the low-pressure system that will rapidly drop Friday morning.

While all signs are pointing toward the upcoming storm being classified a blizzard (check out the requirements for one here), there is still some variation in just how much snow Metro Detroit will see.

Extreme Winter Weather on the way

A Winter Storm Watch is in effect for possible blizzard conditions Thursday - Saturday

Depending on where you are, you could see up to a foot of snow - though that's not likely for Southeast Michigan. Wayne County is expected to see between 3-6 inches of snow.

The City of Detroit plans to have 50 trucks out doing plow work on the main city streets as crews work 12-hour shifts. They'll have some 673 miles of roadway to salt and plow.

If the snow accumulation is over 6 inches, then the department of public works will call up five contractors to assist with plowing snow on residential streets. There's around 1,800 miles of local roads to maintain.

Detroit road crews gear up for winter storm

Detroit said its crews are ready to clear the city's 673 miles of roads when this week's winter storm hits. Drivers will be pulling 12-hour shifts to make sure the job gets done.

While the city would pre-treat the roads with salt, it won't be as effective due to the rain that will fall ahead of the snow.

Another issue that could play a factor in the upcoming storm is the wind, which could push snow onto-recently plowed streets.

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Up to 3 inches of snow

In typical weather systems where the amount of snow falling is 3 inches or less, DPW crews will only tackle major roadways by salting the streets.

Bike lanes will also be salted.

Detroit says all roads will be cleared within 24 hours of the snow stopping.

Between 3-6 inches of snow

When up to half-a-foot of snow falls, DPW crews will use both plowing and salting to clear roads, prioritizing major roads first. Bike lanes will be plowed as needed and depending on the volume, will either be pushed to the curb or hauled away.

The city says the highest priority roads will be cleared within 24 hours of the snow stopping. The rest of the major roads will be cleared within 48-72 hours of the snow ending.

6 inches of snow or more

Under the most extreme of circumstances, when more than half a food of snow falls, Detroit will use both its own road crews and contracted plow companies to help clear the way for local streets.

While DPW crews will plow and salt major roads, contractors will focus on local roadways. The local roads will be plowed at least 16 feet wide.

In case of a snow emergency

When the snowfall is severe enough that the city is forced to use contractors, it may also order a Snow Emergency.

The declaration enables the police department to ticket and tow any vehicles parked on snow emergency routes, which may be blocking access for plow trucks.

Roads marked with red and white signs will be the first priority for snow removal.

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Residents are also required to maintain their own properties to make it safe for pedestrians to use. That includes shoveling sidewalks soon after the snow stops falling. No snow shoveled from the sidewalks can be placed on public roads.