What do crews do if there is not enough snow to plow, but the streets are icy?
During light snowfalls, and when streets are icy, street crews will spread a mixture of salt and sand on major arterials, downtown, and at intersections with stop signs.
When does snow removal begin?
When enough snow has accumulated (3″-6″), crews begin to plow the streets. After emergency marked streets that are designated snow routes have been plowed, work will begin on residential streets.
Which streets are cleared by the City Street Department?
The City Street Department removes snow from all streets within the City Limits of Aurora. It is the Nebraska Department of Roads responsibility through a maintenance agreement with the Nebraska Department of Roads to remove snow from both Highways 34 and 14.
What about snow removal in the downtown business district?
It is not practical to try to clear the streets of snow during daytime hours due to the amount of traffic and parked vehicles. The snow removal in the business district is usually done the night following the snowstorm. Depending on the amount of snow, the business district is generally windrowed to the center of the streets and avenues, and hauled out. If necessary, parallel parking is only allowed on streets that have been windrowed, until the snow has been removed.
When will my street be plowed?
Depending on the severity of the snowstorm, residential streets are usually plowed within 12 hours after the storm ends. Of course, it may take longer to clear all city streets in case of a blizzard or equipment failure.
What about my alley?
All residential alleys are cleared last.
What about driveways and sidewalks?
When cleaning your street, crews have no place to push the snow except to the curb. This creates the unavoidable problem of already cleared sidewalks and driveways becoming covered with snow. Unfortunately, the City does not have the money or personnel to clean sidewalks and driveways. The City Street Department asks your cooperation in removing the snow again. We all need to work together to keep our city safe, including clearing sidewalks of snow. The City Code further states that no person shall deposit, throw, blow, or otherwise dispose of any snow, ice, or hard packed snow on any public property, street, alley, or other public way except for the sidewalks in the downtown area, which snow shall be returned to the curb-line dividing the streets and sidewalks in said designated area.
What if my mailbox becomes covered with snow?
Again, because crews have no place to put the snow, curbside mailboxes may become blocked. Since the City does not have the personnel to remove snow from the mailbox area, we ask that you clear the snow from your mailbox area, according to City Code, to allow the Post Office to deliver your mail.
What is meant by a snow emergency?
When the Mayor declares a snow emergency, it simply means no vehicles may be parked on streets where you see emergency route signs. If necessary, the snow emergency may be extended to prohibit or restrict parking on arterial and residential streets. Should a snow emergency be declared, notice will be given by radio, television, and, if feasible, in the newspaper.
A list of emergency routes can be found here.
If I have an emergency, what should I do?
Call the Police Department at 911.
How many lane miles does the City have to plow?
The City of Aurora removes snow from 96 lane miles of streets.
What if I have questions about snow removal?
If you have questions, you may call the City Hall 402.694.6992, or the Street Department at 402.694.2511
