American Fork City
Snow Removal Guide
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American Fork strives to provide timely, efficient and cost effective snow/ice removal and winter maintenance on its roadways. However, each storm or weather event produces different variables which affect how we respond with snow removal equipment. Fluffy, dry snow requires less de-icing materials and plowing than heavy wet snow. Wet snow may result in very slippery conditions if allowed to freeze on paved surfaces. Each storm is evaluated as it occurs and the best method of action is determined. Please keep in mind that it is not the policy of American Fork City to maintain bare pavement or to provide snow and ice removal to every City street during each snow storm. A copy of the Snow Removal Ordinance can found on our website, at the office of Public Works, or can be e-mailed to you upon request. In an effort to provide information to you our residents that will help you to better understand what to expect when the snow does begin to fly, we have compiled the following information.
Road Plowing Priority
Streets are evaluated based on their classification and usage intensity. Those streets identified as primary streets such as arterial and collector streets, and deemed to be in the minimum network needed to provide basic transportation for public safety, schools, steep grades, etc. will receive priority. These streets will be plowed 24 hours per day 7 days per week as needed when weather conditions warrant or if there is 3" or greater snow accumulation. Please refer to the back of this sheet for a map of streets and their priority classification. Additionally, there are certain streets in the City which are private roadways or owned and maintained by UDOT that are not plowed by our personnel. Following major storms when conditions have moderated, Street personnel will clean cul-de-sacs and dead end streets as needed.
Usage of salt on roadways
Salt is only used at intersections, hills, school zones or limited areas where it is deemed necessary. Temperature, storm duration and intensity have a profound effect on the ability of snow plows to clear streets and for salt to melt the snow and ice. When temperatures dip below 19 degrees, salt becomes ineffective in melting snow and ice. It is not economically feasible to salt all streets as a routine practice.
Plowing streets curb to curb
Our plows focus on keeping one travel lane in each direction passable and are designed to push snow from the center line towards the roads edge. We will not clear snow completely from curb to curb. Plowing of snow creates a windrow which can become a problem by blocking driveways and mailboxes. It is each resident’s responsibility to clear the snow from in front of their driveway and mailbox. Please be aware that the ordinance prohibits snow or ice removed from private property from being deposited in the public right of way which includes the depositing of snow or ice onto a sidewalk or vehicle travel lane.
Parking on the street
There are many inherent obstacles that our plows navigate as they work to clear snow from our streets. This year we will have one less – parked cars. In accordance with City Ordinance there will be no parking permitted on the street from November 1st to March 31st when there is a measurable amount of snow on the street and the street has not been plowed since the snow fell. Citations will be issued for those vehicles and/or trailers that remain parked within the right-of-way during these months. (Ordinance No. 93-10-30)
Our Street department personnel work hard to keep you safe as they clear snow from the 107 miles of road within our City. We appreciate your patience and cooperation as we work together within this great community of ours.
Snow Removal Ordinance (Policy) (.PDF)
Winter Parking (Ordinance No. 93-10-30)