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Duluth Gets Ready for Winter Season 

City providing helpful information for winter preparedness  

[Duluth, MN] - Duluth has enjoyed an unseasonably warm fall but with snow imminent, it’s a good time to start thinking about safe travel and caring for our neighborhoods during snow events. Snow removal and safety are critical for a city with over 400 miles of roads, 226 miles of sidewalks, and over 100 miles of alleys interwoven within the 28 mile length of the city. The City of Duluth prepares ahead every winter by making sure an ample supply of salt and sand is in stock for the season; tuning up the 22 graders, 24 plow trucks, and 6 large scale sidewalk cleaners; and extensively train staff to review the plow operation procedures. The City of Duluth has a specific webpage with important information about street and sidewalk snow removal which can be viewed at www.duluthmn.gov/winterwatch/ in addition to other winter weather tips.

This winter season, the City will continue to assess its plowing methods and policies in the best interest of public safety and responsible stewardship of public resources. The City of Duluth will continue to test a pilot snow and ice removal program that:

- Improves electronic and one-on-one communications with the public about the City’s plowing operations,

- Creates efficiencies by deploying operators to streets and sidewalks using a tiered priority system,

- Aims to better coordinate street plowing and sidewalk clearing operations,

- Connects residents to winter weather related resources, and

- Improves snow and ice removal operations using the existing resources we have.

The public is requested to drive slowly as this first snowfall of the season can create slippery conditions. Motorists should allow extra time for travel; follow parking regulations to provide access for plow trucks; clear sidewalks in front of your property timely to ensure safe passage for all users; and be a “snow angel” by offering to help your neighbors who may need assistance with snow removal.  

The City of Duluth Fire Department has useful tips for winter preparedness in the case of a snow emergency at www.duluthmn.gov/media/233131/winter.pdf  Motorists can also prepare for winter driving using the safety tips provided at www.osha.gov/Publications/SafeDriving.pdf

A special snow event hotline has been created for those with questions about street or sidewalk snow removal and general policies or procedures. Residents can call (218) 730-5100 to speak to staff during regular business hours, otherwise, callers can leave a message after hours. Residents can also submit questions or concerns using the online Snow Events Intake Form.

Residents are encouraged to stay up to date on weather conditions and develop good practices to keep them and their families safe.

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