Denver’s Snow Plan this Week to Include the Residential Plows

Published on January 16, 2023

DENVER - With the possibility that Denver could see snowfall totals in the 6”-11” range from a winter storm that’s arriving tomorrow, and with cold temperatures to follow as well as additional snow possible on Friday, DOTI is preparing to deploy its big plows to the main streets and small plows to the residential streets on Tuesday when snow starts to accumulate.

Here’s what to expect from the residential plows:

• They’ll take a single pass down the center of each side street over the course of a 12-hour shift.
• The small plows do not bring streets to bare pavement but can be helpful in creating a path to the main streets and preventing deep ice ruts from forming.
• The residential plows do not carry deicer.

The snowfall amounts being predicted could result in challenging travel conditions and continuous plowing operations over multiple shifts.

With the winter storm still a day away, DOTI is watching the forecast carefully for any changes and will adjust planning accordingly. DOTI has briefed Mayor Hancock and city leadership on snow plow deployment preparations and planning and will continue to keep the Mayor and city leadership up-to-date on any developments as the storm approaches and throughout our deployment activities.

“Facing the possibility of another moisture-laden storm with even greater forecasted accumulations, I want to acknowledge the continuous efforts of our city’s snowplow drivers and assure Denverites we will be on the job to meet this next challenge that Mother Nature throws at us,” said Adam Phipps, Executive Director of Denver’s Department of Transportation and Infrastructure.

Sidewalk reminder: Denver requires that property owners clear snow and ice from their sidewalks, including adjacent ADA ramps. After snow has stopped falling, businesses need to begin clearing their sidewalks immediately. Residents need to clear their sidewalks by the next day. Inspectors with Community Planning and Development leave a time-stamped notice at properties with un-shoveled sidewalks.  After receiving a notice, businesses have four hours and residences have 24 hours before the inspector’s re-check and a potential $150 fine.