Snow Removal

 

While summertime thunderstorms occur regularly in our area, significant snow fall is an anomaly.  It is unusual for Concord to experience multiple winter storm events. Snow, sleet and/or freezing rain usually last several days in our area. It has been many years since we have seen heavy snowfall and multiple snow events in our community. Due to the hit and miss nature of winter weather in Concord, we do not maintain a dedicated fleet of vehicles just for the removal of snow and sleet. However, every year the City conducts an annual pre-season snow exercise in October using trucks in our fleet from the water, wastewater, solid waste, and electric departments. The City tunes up our plows, graders, de-icers and spreaders in preparation for winter weather. During the drill crews discuss operations and practice attaching snow removal equipment to our trucks.

 

During the winter season, Concord continually monitors the weather forecasts from several sources, which are distributed to departments so the crews can prepare. If the event is forecast to be significant, a departmental meeting is called where departments discuss preparedness activities and any issues that might arise. Updates are provided periodically and become more frequent depending on escalating conditions.

 

The goal of the City’s snow removal policy or removal of any debris which may block our transportation arteries is based on the following approach:

 

 

In order to make use of limited resources the City identified major roads to keep clear of snow and ice. The crew concentrates on identified routes that citizens can rely on until conditions improve.  

 

The primary or “bare pavement” streets are treated/plowed first. These consist of emergency snow routes and other main collector streets which connect major sections of the City to provide access for emergency fire, police, EMS, commercial businesses or area bus routes. Snow is plowed within the confines of the curb line to curb line of the street. This priority system attempts to keep open the roads that serve the greatest number of people. The City also coordinates with NCDOT for snow removal. NCDOT is responsible for all the major roadways such as I-85 and ramps, Branchview, NC Hwy 49, and US Hwy 29.

 

During significant events secondary routes may only be plowed in “hazardous locations” such as hills, intersections and turns until the storm passes. 

 

Depending on the forecast, the City usually begins operations by pre-treatment. This anti-icing practice involves applying an amount of salt brine before the storm begins. The residue left by the application is designed to prevent the snow or ice from forming a bond with the pavement. Brine freezes at around -6 degrees Fahrenheit. This can “buy” crews some extra time, usually one or two hours, to fight the storm and can make cleanup and plowing easier. Brine solution has another economic benefit as it can be applied during regular work hours, reducing overtime, and reducing the work effort to keep road clear when the storm comes. If the event is mild, it may be all that is needed to keep the roads drivable. Brine is also the “green” method of treatment since fewer chemicals are used.