Show All Answers

1. What streets does the city plow and sand?

The city plows or sands about 25 percent of city roads, including major streets and some neighborhood streets for connectivity. See the snow routes.

2. What is the schedule for plowing and sanding?

View the plowing and sanding routes here: plowing and sanding routes.

3. How does the city prioritize which streets to plow and sand?

The city prioritizes high-volume streets and major arterials for plowing. Sand is applied to streets with steep grades, overpasses, bridges, intersections, and other places where there may be traction issues.

4. Why isn’t my neighborhood street plowed?

The city plows or sands about 25 percent of all city streets. Highest priority is given to major streets, neighborhood connector streets, and areas with known traction issues.

5. What should I do while driving behind a plow or sander?

Keep a safe following distance. Heavy plows and sanding trucks can stop more quickly than passenger vehicles on slippery roads. State and local laws do not prohibit passing a snow plow, but passing can be dangerous. Do not attempt to pass a plow or sander on the right side or in low visibility.

6. Does the city use deicer on roads?

The city contracts with Washington County and ODOT to use deicer on some high-traffic roads and overpasses.

7. Why doesn’t the city use salt on roads?

The city uses deicer instead of salt for several reasons. Salt is corrosive and can cause
damage to vehicles and the environment. Salt would also need to be stored in
covered facilities.

8. Will the city sweep the street to remove gravel or sand after a storm?

The city will sweep streets to remove gravel, sand, and debris as quickly as possible after a storm. Residents may need to be patient while sweepers work to clear streets and bike lanes and return to normal sweeping schedules.