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Street, Sidewalk and Path Snow Removal
Street Snow RemovalThe City of Boulder's snow crews are ready to respond 24 hours a day from mid-September to the end of April to snowy and icy conditions. The snow crews work hard to keep primary and secondary streets and on-street bike lanes open, using materials and equipment that help reduce the dangers inherent in winter traveling. Primary routes are the city's first priority for plowing and applying materials. Primary routes are the major streets that run throughout the city. Two plow trucks are assigned to each of our five primary routes. (Multi-use paths throughout the city are plowed at the same time as streets.) Secondary routes are the streets around schools and hospitals, most RTD bus routes, collector streets and streets requiring special attention in snowy conditions. Plowing of these routes begins at the same time as plowing of primary routes; however, there is one truck assigned to each of these routes. On most primary and secondary streets, snow is plowed to the center dividing lane to prevent buildup on sidewalks. On some streets there is not enough room for center lane plowing, so snow is pushed to the side. This may narrow down travel and turn lanes. The city strives to sweep all primary, secondary streets and all on-street bike lanes within four days following a snow storm to pick up any surplus traction materials. Sidewalk Snow RemovalAll the owners or residents of private property must have the snow on their sidewalks cleared within 24 hours after it stops snowing. Shoveling sidewalks helps prevent accidents and increases accessibility for pedestrians. If your sidewalk is adjacent to a primary snow route, please wait until the snow plows have cleared the streets before shoveling. Plows may need to push snow onto curbs and sidewalks to keep the streets clear. Boulder's Code Enforcement Officeers can issue a summons to persons failing to comply with the Boulder's Code Enforcement Officers can issue a summons to person failing to comply with snow removal ordinance. The fine for a first offense is $100. The maximum fine is $1,000 and 90 days in jail. Violations can result in a municipal summons issued to the responsible party and/or an abatement, which includes calling in a private snow removal contractor to clear the sidewalks. The property owner will be charged a $50 administrative fee along with the cost to remove the snow. Properties receiving an abatement warning have 24 hours from the time and date written on the top of the warning to remove the snow themselves. Adult residents, property owners and agents are all responsible for sidewalk snow removal for a single-family dwelling, a duplex, a triplex or a four-plex. Property owners and their agents are responsible for sidewalk snow removal for other multi-family properties as well as commercial and industrial properties. Snow removed from sidewalks needs to be kept on the property. It is against city code to deposit snow (plow, shovel or coarse to deposit) upon any street sidewalk or alley. To report sidewalk snow removal violations, please call Code Enforcement at 303-441-3333. IceBusters Multi-use Path Snow RemovalMulti-use paths in the City of Boulder are maintained to high-level transportation standards.Separate snow removal crews begin plowing the city's multi-use paths at exactly the same time that other crews are plowing city streets. Boulder Creek and Broadway paths are plowed first, followed by the Foothills Parkway path and other Greenway paths. The Boulder Creek Path is cleared by the parks department. While the Broadway path, from Baseline Road to University Avenue, is cleared by CU-Boulder facilities maintenance. All other multi-use paths are maintained by City of Boulder Street and Bikeway Transportation Maintenance (or the adjacent property owner). On-street bike lanes are cleared during street snow removal operations. In heavier snows, on-street bike lanes may not immediately be completely cleared of snow and ice as plowed snow builds up along the curb and gutter. Be cautious in these areas. Cycle safely. Wherever you ride, watch for ice and gravel and wear a helmet. Senior citizens and physically disabled persons who are unable to clear snow from their sidewalks may receive assistance through the Icebusters program. For more information or to volunteer, call 303-443-1933. Snow Removal Route MapClick on the map below to view a larger version. The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) is responsible for maintaining state highways. Frequently Asked Questions About Snow Removal
Why doesn't the city plow residential streets? Some homeowner's associations provide snow removal on private streets within their development. Call your homeowner's association to find out if this service is provided for your street. What is an "accident alert"?Accident alerts are declared by the police department if severe weather conditions exceed its capacity to respond to individual vehicular accidents. During an accident alert, the police will not respond to vehicular accidents unless there are injuries, or alcohol or drugs are involved. If you are in a vehicular accident during an accident alert, check for injuries. If no one is injured, move the vehicles out of traffic. Drivers must exchange names, addresses, phone numbers, driver's license numbers, vehicle descriptions and license numbers. The date, time and location of the accident must also be recorded before leaving the scene of the accident. You must also file a report with the police department within 24 hours. What is Boulder doing to minimize environmental damage during snow season?
When does the city plow public bike and pedestrian paths?
How can I avoid windshield damage during the winter? Who do I call to report icy conditions?
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