Are You Ready for the Winter Season?

As most people in Minnesota get ready for the approaching winter by purchasing new shovels, putting on snow tires, or even gaining a few extra pounds to stay warm, the City of Rogers Public Works Department has been getting ready for winter and the snow season too. Our plowing routes have been updated, the plows have been attached to our trucks, and salt/sand has been ordered. Each year, we purchase 800 to 1200 tons of salt to apply to steep grades, high volume intersections, school crossings, and icy patches on priority routes. This year, we have 10 plow drivers, covering a total of 99 miles of road and 159 cul-de-sacs between them.

The Public Works Department is committed to keeping our streets as safe as possible within staffing and budget parameters. Staff will begin plowing when snowfall reaches two inches or when roadway conditions warrant a response by Public Works. Equipment dispatch is dependent upon timing and intensity, weather forecast, personnel, equipment availability, and street priority classification. The City's main priority is to plow trails and sidewalks within arterial and collector streets and school walking zones within a 24-hour period.

There are a number of things residents can do to minimize plowing -related problems for themselves and to help City crews do the most effective job possible. Here are some City guidelines and winter tips.