City Subscriptions

City of Duluth Prepared for Winter Driving Season

Although we have yet to experience any snowfall, the City of Duluth is prepared for the winter driving season.   

The City of Duluth Maintenance Operations Division started preparing for winter in August by hauling in winter sand and mixing it with 10% salt to prevent the pile from freezing.  Early in October, the City purchased a stockpile of road salt. The cost of road salt was slightly higher than in previous years costing approximately $50/per ton for a total cost of $800,000 for the winter ahead.  By the end of October, the City starts converting some blacktop trucks back to sanding trucks for the winter season.  Salt brine tanks and spreaders are reinstalled, and testing occurs to make sure all connections are working.  After all trucks and graders are inspected for deficiencies, and wings are reattached they are ready to plow snow.

This year Duluth will have 22 road graders and 16 plow trucks to clear snow from our city streets this winter.  To improve snow removal operations  the City of Duluth has upgraded some older equipment, added 2 road graders and hired an additional 6 heavy equipment operators.  This increase in equipment and personnel will allow for a greater response for snow plowing in the winter while also accomplishing the street improvement goals in the summer.

New this year is the ability for Duluth citizens to get the most up to date information on winter city road conditions. The “Winter Watch” web site will consist of odd and even parking guide, a map showing snow emergency routes, a hotline to obtain general information or to report snow removal problems, online registration to receive snow advisory updates, answers to general questions, and web links to the City’s rules and regulations. 

Most importantly we ask all motorists to remember a few snow recommendations:

• Maintain a good distance between your car and snow plows.
• Minimize driving during snow storms.
• People who park on the street should be extra diligent to follow these ordinances; no closer than 7 feet to alleys or driveways, must park within 12 inches of the curb and parking or partially blocking driving lanes will result in a ticket and the car will be towed.
• Vehicles parked on streets with alternate side parking should be moved between the hours of 4:00 PM and 8:00 PM on Sundays. Moving vehicles earlier or later than this time causes significant problems for our snow removal operations. Vehicles that do not comply with this regulation may be ticketed or towed.
• Please remember it is illegal to remove snow from your property and place it in city streets and alleys.
• Please help out your neighbors that are having difficulty removing snow.
• Please drive safe.

The City’s goal is to ensure roads are cleared efficiently and are safe for travel. 

Access the Winter Watch hotline at (218) 730-5100 during normal business hours. In the case of an emergency or afer hours, pelase call 730-4000.

The Winter Watch website is accessible by visiting www.duluthmn.gov/winterwatch