Detroit crews set to begin plowing residential streets tonight at midnight

• Private snow removal companies contracted by City for each council district will clear 16-foot-wide path down 1884 miles of residential side streets
• DPW Director urges residents to park in driveways and garages wherever possible to allow plows to do their work.
• City crews have been salting and plowing 673 miles of major roads as the storm has progressed and will continue until roads are cleared from curb to curb

With several inches of snow already fallen in Detroit and more on the way, the City of Detroit Department of Public Works (DPW) has notified its private contractors to begin plowing all 1884 miles of residential side streets starting at midnight tonight. City crews have already been out throughout the day salting and plowing its 673 miles of major roads.

DPW Director Ron Brundidge is urging members of the public to remove all parked cars from city streets beginning at midnight tonight to prepare for neighborhood snow plowing. This will allow plows to clear as wide a path as possible and prevent residents' vehicles from being blocked by plowed snow.

DPW crews have been working 12-hour shifts during this weekend's continuous snowfall clearing the city's major roads. 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.

Contractors have 24 hours to complete all streets in their district and DPW staff will be conducting spot checks to verify the completeness of contractors' work. The following contractors will be deployed to plow residential streets:

• District 1 - Jordan Landscaping
• District 2 - Jordan Landscaping
• District 3 - Payne Landscaping
• District 4 - Payne Landscaping
• District 5 - Fontenot Services
• District 6 - Gibraltar Construction
• District 7 - A-Team Snow & Ice Control

More info on Detroit snow removal program

• While DPW has over 2500 miles to salt and plow in the city, freeways are maintained by the Wayne County Road Commission. State trunklines such as Michigan, Woodward and Gratiot are maintained by the State while county roads such as Outer Drive, W. McNichols, W. 7 Mile are maintained by Wayne County.
• Bike lanes on major roads will be cleared after vehicle travel lanes have all been removed of snow; accumulated snow in bike lanes will be pushed to the closest intersection and hauled away.
• Residents and 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.
• 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)

Safety tips to follow:

• Stock up on food, batteries, water, etc., and stay home if possible.
• Keep blanket, shovel, non-perishable food, phone charger in car in case you get stuck or stranded.
• Top off gas tank and windshield fluid before storm hits.
• Don't over-exert when shoveling snow