During the winter months, City of East Lansing snow plow and sidewalk plow operators work hard and with great care to make roads and sidewalks safe. No matter how careful drivers are, snow and ice control operations may cause inconveniences to residents. At times, it may also cause property damage. Here are some questions you might have about snow removal on streets and sidewalks. 1. How does the city decide which streets get plowed first? The City of East Lansing Department of Public Works (DPW) plows seven miles of state highway, 25 miles of major streets and 61 miles of local or residential streets. DPW coordinates salting and snow control with the East Lansing Police Department. Typically, plowing begins when snowfall accumulates to 3 inches or more. Crews start by plowing the main traffic arteries for emergency vehicle access. The state highways and major streets are plowed before starting on residential streets. Please understand that every street cannot be cleared at the same time. 2. Why do the city snow plows push snow into my driveway and who is responsible for clearing it? Because of normal snow plowing operations, snow may be placed in your driveway unavoidably. Plows are angled to the right for plowing from the centerline of the street to the curb. For this reason, a certain amount of snow will be deposited in driveways. Snow placed in driveways or on sidewalks by the city while snow plowing is the residents and owners responsibility to remove. 3. I just shoveled my sidewalk. Why did the city snow plow push snow on it? Some areas of the city have narrow public rights of way. When plowing, the snow may end up on the sidewalk you just shoveled. We apologize for the inconvenience this causes you. If your schedule permits, you may want to wait and clear your sidewalk after city plows have passed through your street. If it is a significant snowfall, the snowplows will probably be back. Streets are typically opened with one pass through, so that streets can be made passable for drivers as soon as possible. Snowplows may return to open the street curb-to-curb. This is done to clear areas for on-street parking, where it is permitted, and to allow melting snow to drain into catch basins. We regret that you may find some of this snow on your recently shoveled sidewalk and you have to shovel it again. 4. Why is the snow plow operator driving so fast considering the road conditions? It might appear at times that the snow plow operator is driving too fast for road conditions. While operators drive safe and legal speeds, at times they need to “roll” the snow to remove it from the road. A sufficient speed needs to be maintained by the driver to do this and clear the street. 5. Can snow from my driveway be pushed across the street? Snow may not be pushed into or across the street from private property, according to city ordinance. Please keep this in mind when clearing your driveway. If you hire a private service to clear your driveway, let the contractor know. 6. When does my sidewalk need to be cleared and whose responsibility is it? Residents and owners are reminded to remove snow from sidewalks within 24 hours of snowfall and to use salt or another abrasive on sidewalk ice within 12 hours after ice forms. The city opens sidewalks in some higher volume pedestrian traffic areas including downtown and in areas around schools. Even if the city does this, you are still responsible for making sure the sidewalk next to your property is maintained and clear enough for everyone to use, including those in wheelchairs. 7. Who do I contact if a city snow plow hits my mailbox? Should your mailbox get struck by the city during snow plowing, contact the Department of Public Works at 337-9459. DPW will review the policy with you and determine the responsibility of replacement. The city uses a standard design wood post and a standard design metal mail box for replacement. If the property owner wants a different mailbox or post other than the standard design provided, the owner may receive up to $25 compensation for post replacement and up to $25 for mailbox replacement. Sorry, but the city will not repair or replace decorative mailboxes and decorative posts. Non-standard mailboxes and enclosures placed in the public right of way are at the owner’s risk and responsibility. 8. What if landscaping or irrigation in the right of way is damaged? Remember not to landscape with rocks, bricks, timbers, shrubs and other items in the right of way. Snow plows and sidewalk plows could cause damage and we do not repair or replace landscape materials. Some residents have irrigation in the right of way. This is done at the owner’s risk and responsibility. Keep any irrigation heads away from the edges of the sidewalk. Sidewalk snow plow blades are a little wider than the sidewalk in some areas. 9. Who do I contact if a city snow plow damages my lawn? If a city snow plow or sidewalk plow causes lawn damage, please contact DPW at 337-9459. You will be placed on a list for spring clean-up once all the snow is melted. Sod and grass damage is restored by city crews with top soil and grass seed. The City of East Lansing Department of Public Works would like to thank you for your cooperation and understanding during the winter season. By working together, we can make the roads and sidewalks safe for all.