Street Snow Removal

Snowplow Operations 
Spanish Fork City is committed to provide snow and ice removal as quickly as possible to provide safe travel for its citizens. Only streets under the jurisdiction of Spanish Fork City will be plowed. Property owners will be responsible for snow removal on private roads. Snow removal from state highways and county roads is carried out by the Utah Department of Transportation and Utah County Public Works Department respectively.

Priorities for snow removal are as follows:

Priority 1: Arterial, major collector roads, school bus routes and streets with steep grades. 
Priority 2: Minor collector roads and high volume, through residential roads.
Priority 3: Remaining through streets. 
Priority 4: Dead end roads and cul-de-sacs.

View the Snow Plow Removal Priorities map below.

In major storm events where plows cannot clear the snow before it is packed and turns to ice, the City may not be able to completely clear all the streets.

Procedures

Salt
Research has found that the proper use of mined road salt can provide both the traction and melting power necessary for quality service. Mined salt contains a natural blend of trace minerals that can provide traction and melting power at temperatures well below freezing while lowering the negative impacts on the environment caused by the use of sand and other particulates. Mined salt also melts at temperatures lower than that of white salt. By using this material, operators can use less material to accomplish this essential service.

On-Street Parking
There is now a City ordinance requiring residents to not park anything along the street once snow starts accumulating and during snowplow operations for up to 48 hours after a storm. This has the following benefits:

1. Our streets will be cleared more quickly and thoroughly.

2. Less incidents of damaging parked vehicles and trailers by plowing operations.

3. Safer plowing conditions, especially on steep roads.

4. Nuisance broken down vehicles and trailers will be cleared from the streets regularly.

Ordinance 10.16.040 Snow Removal

Parking is prohibited on city public streets during snow removal operations. All vehicles are to be removed from city public streets during snow storms and for up to 48 hours thereafter, or until snow plowing and snow removal efforts are completed, as determined by the Public Works Department, whichever is sooner. During snow storms shall mean at the point in time that snow begins to accumulate on the streets, rather than melt. The Mayor has the authority to extend the 48 hours in the event of an unusually large storm which takes City crews more than 48 hours to clear the streets of snow. Notice of the extension is to be posted on the City web page, SFCN, and through mass communication messages.

Snow Blowing and Shoveling
When removing snow from sidewalks and driveways, do not throw the snow out onto the roadway as you may create a hazard for other vehicles. This also causes snow buildup along the edge of the roadway that can cause vehicles to get stuck or restrict access to driveways.

Sidewalks
Residents are responsible for clearing sidewalks, and mail box access adjacent to their home. Although the city does not have the resources to ensure sidewalks are cleared, it is strongly recommended that sidewalks are cleared within 24 hours after a storm.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)

1. Why wasn't my street plowed?

   • The street is not maintained by Spanish Fork City. Spanish Fork does not plow/salt state highways, county roads, or private roads.
   • There was not enough room for the snow removal equipment to maneuver on this road. Often we are called back to roads and find there are too many cars parked on the street for the operators to maneuver safely. If this is that case, contact your neighbors and help move cars to provide adequate space.
   • The snow may be compacted and covered with ice. Our crews try to respond as quickly as possible; however, sometimes traffic compacts the snow before our crews reach the road. The low temperatures cause a layer of ice to form. In many cases this can not be removed by our plows. Only new accumulation can be removed until ice melts.

2. Why do the plows always push snow into my driveway entrance?

   • The snow must be removed from the travel lane of the road. When the City receives a heavy snowfall, plows have to continue to make several passes until the roadway is safe to travel. This causes snow buildup along the edge of the roadway. As you shovel, do not throw the snow out onto the roadway as you may create a hazard for another vehicle. Place the snow on private property or well beyond the outside shoulder and travel lanes.

3. When are the snowplows deployed and for how long are they out?

   • During regular scheduled working hours the Public Works Department, with assistance from the Public Safety Department, will monitor street conditions and be responsible for analyzing street conditions. Usually crews are dispatched when snow begins to accumulate. During off-duty hours, the Public Safety Department and Streets Division Manager will dispatch units in the affected areas. These units stay working until all work is completed. If the work takes longer that 12 hours to complete new operators will be called out.

You can assist in our snow removal operations in several ways...

• Always park your vehicle off the street. Vehicles left in the roadway create unnecessary obstacles for snow removal operators to work around and can slow the process of properly clearing roads.

• Travel at a safe distance from snow plows at all times to avoid damage to your car. Do not try and pass these vehicles.

• Please be patient if you are required to wait behind a piece of snow removal equipment.

• Make certain that your speed is reasonable for conditions.

• Advise your children never to play near or in a snow bank near the roadway.

• Exercise extreme care and caution when driving in inclement weather. Your safety and the safety of other motorists and pedestrians is the highest priority.

• Restrict travel as much as possible during severe weather. Remember, in most cases roads will be cleared within 24 hours of a storm.

• Do not attempt to stop a snow removal vehicle or obstruct its path.

• If you can, please help your neighbors who are elderly or disabled clear driveways and sidewalks.

• Keep obstructions such as portable basketball hoops, trash cans, and toys off the street and sidewalks at all time during snow removal.

If you have a request for snow plowing in your area, make a request in the Citizen Support Center.