Nearly everyone enjoys the beauty of falling snow, until
it is time to drive to school or work or to go shopping.
Then the snow becomes a nuisance and at times a real hazard.
This web page is intended to give you some information about
snow and ice control in Athens, and to answer some frequently
asked questions about our snow removal procedures.
In Athens, we average about 5.7 inches of snowfall per
year. As long term residents know, that snow may come in
a few small or moderate storms, one or two major storms
or not at all.
Each year, the City of Athens prepares for potential snowstorms.
The Public Works Department has the major responsibility
for snow removal on City streets, from around public buildings
and from City parking lots. The City is responsible for
snow removal along approximately 389 streets, totaling about
206 lane miles.Our crews work around the clock in the early
stages of a snowstorm, and continue to remove snow until
the situation is considered under control. Plowing operations
begin practically as snow begins to fall.
Which Streets Are Cleared First?
Bridges and major streets are cleared
first. Roads that have top priority are those around Athens
Regional Medical Center, fire and police stations and area
nursing homes. Remaining streets are then plowed in approximately
this order: collector streets, through streets and dead
end streets. High priority streets are plowed until they
are passable, then low priority streets are plowed. If the
rate of snow fall is heavy, we may have to stop plowing
secondary streets and return to high priority roadways.
Who is Responsible for Clearing Driveway
Aprons?
Property owners or residents are
responsible for clearing their driveway entrance/exit. Please
remember, we will continue to plow snow until the street
is clear or safe for motorists. We realize that this can
be frustrating to the resident; however we simply do not
have the resources to clear thousands of driveway aprons.
Who Clears Sidewalks?
Citizens are encouraged to clear
sidewalks in front of their homes or businesses, but please
do not put snow into the street. The City generally does
not clear sidewalks, as our limited resources are concentrated
on streets, public parking lots and areas around public
buildings.
Who Clears School Property?
The staff of the City School system
is responsible for clearing school drives and parking lots.
When is Sand and/or Salt Used?
The City will spread sand on bridges
and certain very steep collector streets when it is likely
that freezing conditions will occur. After traffic passes
over snow or ice for a while, it becomes packed down into
a nearly solid mass which cannot be plowed. At that time,
we typically spread a sand mixture only at problem locations.
We try to use both salt and sand sparingly, to minimize
problems associated with its use such as sedimentation.
What Do I Do in an Emergency?
Call 911. The Police or Fire Departments
can usually respond to your call. If necessary, these departments
will call Public Works for assistance.
Need More Information?
Please click here to view our snow
attack plan map. If you prefer, you may contact the
Public Works Department at (423)-744-2745.
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