With snow forecast for northern Arizona in the coming days, the City of Flagstaff would like to provide information regarding snow operations. The City’s Public Works Division will deploy all available equipment and operators during winter snow events, with operations running 24 hours a day during significant events.
First priority roadways for treatment are main arterials, major hills, downtown, school and transit routes. All other streets are considered second priority areas. To begin treating second priority roads, the first priority roadways must be completed and maintained throughout the snow event. Cinders are applied to major hills, signalized intersections, railroad crossings, shaded areas, problem areas and stop-signed intersections. A map of the city which shows first and second priority streets can be found here.
Plowing all 700 lane miles of the transportation network takes time and the City is requesting the community’s patience. All areas will be plowed in the order listed above.
The City’s Parks, Recreation, Open Space and Events (PROSE) Division will deploy all available equipment, operators and hand shoveling during winter snow events. First priority are the parking lots at City operated buildings, civic spaces, City-owned sidewalks and hard surfaced FUTS (Flagstaff Urban Trails System) trails. All other locations are considered second priority areas and coordinated with City Public Works.
The City’s Winter Parking Ordiance is in effect, under which parking on city streets or alleyways is prohibited from midnight to 7 a.m. from Nov. 1 to April 1. Compliance with the ordinance allows the Streets Section crews to thoroughly plow streets for safe travel and aids street sweepers in the removal of cinders following a snowstorm.
Additional snow and ice operations information is available on the City of Flagstaff website at https://www.flagstaff.az.gov/176/Snow-Ice-Operations.
“Know Snow” Before You Go Tips
One of the best things drivers can do is check weather and road conditions before leaving. Waiting for a storm to pass before traveling is the safest and most efficient option because it allows ADOT’s snowplows to clear highways more quickly. Highways can take much longer to plow when they are restricted by vehicles that are stopped or slowed by icy and snowy conditions.
Keep up to date with road conditions by calling 511 or visiting az511.gov. ADOT’s Twitter account (@ArizonaDOT) and Facebook page (facebook.com/AZDOT) provide real-time information and interaction.
It’s important to remember if you are traveling to respect the plow. Avoid passing a snowplow that’s clearing a highway until the driver pulls over to let traffic pass, and never assume a snowplow operator knows your vehicle is nearby. If you can’t see the plow driver, there’s a good chance the driver can’t see you.
Other safety tips that ADOT offers at azdot.gov/KnowSnow include slowing down, leaving extra room behind the vehicle ahead, having a fully charged cell phone, taking along warm clothing, blankets, food and water, and packing an emergency kit. Check your vehicle before heading out in winter weather, making sure – at a minimum – that the tires, heater and windshield wipers are in good shape.
