Snow and Ice Control Operations - City of Wooster

Snow and Ice Control Operations – City of Wooster

The City of Wooster’s Public Properties Maintenance (PPM) Division provides snow and ice control for the city’s 315 lane-miles of highways and streets, including more than 100 cul-de-sacs. This work is considered emergency service and is essential to public safety and community well-being. PPM’s objective is to keep all highways, streets, alleys, and cul-de-sacs safe and accessible for vehicles properly equipped for winter driving during and after a snowstorm.

Each year, PPM applies approximately 4,000 tons of de-icer (salt) to maintain safe travel conditions. Snow plowing typically begins when snowfall reaches a depth of two inches. During any storm, crews first apply de-icer to create a brine layer on the pavement. If accumulations exceed two inches, plowing continues throughout the event. As a final step, crews “plow back” the snow along the gutter line to allow proper drainage from melting snow, reducing the chance of icy patches forming overnight.

The City’s highest priority during snow removal is clearing major roadways to maintain traffic flow in and out of Wooster. Ensuring emergency access for fire, medical, and police services takes precedence; therefore, primary streets are cleared first. Secondary priorities include minor streets, subdivisions, cul-de-sacs, and alleys. Alleys are cleared last due to lower traffic volumes.

Because every storm is different, crews adjust their response based on its severity. The number of trucks assigned and the strategies used vary with each event.

PPM frequently receives calls about snow being pushed into driveways. While plows may leave snow across driveway entrances, crews work to minimize this. Clearing driveway aprons, however, is the responsibility of the resident. It is both illegal and unsafe to push snow from driveways into city streets, as doing so hazards motorists and creates liability for the responsible party. When shoveling a driveway, the best practice is to pile snow beyond the driveway in the direction of traffic. Some residents request that plow drivers lift or angle blades at driveways, but this would significantly slow operations and leave snow on the roadway, resulting in safety risks.

Residents and private plowing contractors may not shovel, plow, or blow snow onto or across any City Street. This practice hampers street-clearing efforts and is prohibited under City Ordinance 521.06 and Ohio Revised Code 4511.74.

Please note that the City does not clear sidewalks. Property owners are responsible for keeping sidewalks free of snow and ice for pedestrian safety and convenience, as required by City Ordinance 521.06 and Ohio Revised Code 723.011.

A snow emergency is declared whenever snowfall in the City—or in a specific area of the City—reaches a depth of three inches or more within a 12-hour period. Such conditions create serious hazards by limiting safe transportation. Notification of snow emergencies is available on the City’s Facebook page (facebook.com/cityofwooster) and the official website (woosteroh.com).

The County Sheriff may also declare a snow emergency in accordance with the Ohio Revised Code and may temporarily close state routes and municipal streets when necessary to protect public safety. Snow emergencies are classified as follows:

• Level 1: Roads are hazardous due to blowing and drifting snow. Surfaces may be icy. Drive with extreme caution.
• Level 2: Roads are hazardous with blowing and drifting snow. Travel only if absolutely necessary. Contact your employer for reporting instructions.
• Level 3: All roadways are closed to non-emergency personnel. Travel is prohibited unless absolutely necessary. Employees should contact their employer regarding reporting expectations. Traveling during a Level 3 Alert may result in arrest under Section 2917.13 of the Ohio Revised Code (a fourth-degree misdemeanor).

For current snow emergency levels, visit facebook.com/waynecountysheriff, call 330-287-7744, or tune in to MCTV Channel 10. Residents may also sign up for Wayne County Sheriff text and email alerts.