City crews working around the clock for the year’s first major snow event; residential plowing to begin at midnight

City of Detroit Department of Public Works (DPW) crews are moving through the City at a steady pace plowing and salting 673 miles of major thoroughfares as contractors plow 1,884 miles of neighborhood residential streets starting at midnight tonight. Crews have been out since 7 o’clock this morning and 50 trucks will continue around the clock until all roads are clear.

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. Prior to this snow event, City crews were out pretreating several routes, bridges, and overpasses.

Here is what residents can expect:

Major Roads

• Fleet of 50 DPW salt trucks and plows will clear 673 miles of Major Roads  
• Nearly 100 drivers will work alternating 12 hour shifts until all main roads are clear.
• City crews will continually clear police precincts, fire houses, DDOT terminals

Residential Side Streets

• First citywide clearing of residential side streets scheduled to begin tonight at midnight.
• Contractors have 24 hours from start time to complete the snow plowing on all residential streets.
• To maximize the impact of the plowing, residents are encouraged to remove vehicles from the street, where possible. 

Residents are encouraged to use the Improve Detroit App to report snow removal issues. You can also call 313-224-0033 (DPW Street Maintenance Division).