Detroit, MI - As the City of Detroit prepares for 12-16 inches of snow by Friday morning, the Department of Public Works (DPW) is preparing to plow and salt 673 miles of major thoroughfares, as well as coordinate with contractors to plow all 1884 miles of neighborhood residential streets. The public is asked to remove all parked cars from city streets beginning Feb. 2 at midnight to prepare for neighborhood snow plowing.
The City utilizes a three-level system for snow removal during the winter weather, depending on the amount of snow that falls. When more than six inches of snow falls, it initiates a City policy to plow all residential streets.
This is the first major snowstorm of 2022 and the first major storm with 7000 speed humps on residential streets, which will impact the time it takes to plow residential streets.
What Residents Can Expect
Major Roads
- Fleet of 50 DPW salt trucks and plows will clear 673 miles of major roads
- Nearly 100 drivers with work alternating 12-hour shifts until all main roads are clear
- City crews will continually clear police precincts, fire houses, and DDOT terminals
Residential Side Streets
In total, five contractors are prepared for four-day clearing from Thursday-Sunday. An additional 25 General Services employees with plows will supplement contractors. The five contractors, and their areas of coverage are:
- Jordan Landscaping - District 1 & District 2
- Payne Landscaping - District 3 & District 4
- Fontenot Services - District 5
- Gibraltar Landscaping - District 6
- A-Team Landscaping - District 7
The first citywide clearing is currently scheduled to take place over 36 hours from 6 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 3 to 6 p.m. Friday, Feb. 4. After that time, all the crews will get 12 hours of rest before the second clearing.
The second clearing is currently scheduled from 6 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 5 to 6 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 6.
Trash Collection
- DPW expects to make its Wednesday collection schedule. If not, residents are to leave the container(s) out and crews will get to it the next day. The City will provide updates on Thursday and Friday schedules.
DDOT Service
- The heavy snow is likely to slow many City services, including bus service. To see the real-time location and movement of all in-service DDOT buses, download the DDOT Bus Tracker App from the Apple Store or Google Play.
DWSD
- DWSD will continue to repair water main breaks, with priority to ensure safe, clean water is delivered.
- DWSD will also salt and remove ice in areas that are awaiting repair crews.
COVID-19 Site
- The TCF Center (Huntington Place) will close at noon on Wednesday, Feb. 2 through Thursday, Feb. 3.
Warning to Businesses
- Businesses clearing their parking lots MUST either keep the snow on their own property OR have it hauled away. Any business that pushes snow onto a public roadway will be ticketed and subject to fines of up to $1,000.
- Businesses also are reminded that they are responsible for maintaining their sidewalks in a manner that makes it safe for pedestrians. Snow removal companies and property owners are prohibited from putting snow from their property onto public roadways.
City issues safety tips for residents
City officials reminds residents to be safe during snow storm and offers these tips:
- Stock up on food, batteries, water, etc., and stay home for the next few days if possible.
- Keep blanket, shovel, non-perishable food, phone charger in car in case get stuck or stranded.
- Top off gas tank and windshield fluid before storm hits.
- Don’t over-exert when shoveling snow.