Snow & Ice Removal

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City crews appreciative your patience and understanding as we work to maintain safe, passable streets throughout the community. On the right side are frequently asked questions and answers, which we hope will provide some insight into challenges faced by the community over the winter.

If you have any questions about snow and ice removal operations or would like to report an issue, please don’t hesitate to call public works at 952.924.2562.

Snow removal

Public works staff works diligently to provide snow removal services for streets, sidewalks, trails and alleys within the city.

Ice control practices

The city responds to emergencies when notified and responds to routine service requests during regular business hours.

Main plow routes

Our primary focus is on our higher volume roadways. These roadways are plowed first and treated with chemicals, sand or salt to try to control icy conditions.

Residential streets

When icy conditions develop, our focus is on known trouble spots with higher accident potential due to slopes or curves, and heavily traveled intersections. These spots are treated with chemicals or sand mix to provide some traction. Neighborhood streets are treated with chemicals only if pavement temperatures are expected to remain above 15 degrees.

Alleys

Alleys are generally not treated with chemicals or sand. Alley trouble spots are only treated after an extended period of time with a chemical or sand mix to provide some traction. Alleys are very difficult to maintain because they are constructed with a low center for drainage purposes. Salting alleys does not usually eliminate icy conditions and can cause frozen ruts to form which can be an even larger problem.

Sidewalks and trails

Sidewalks and trails are not treated with chemicals or sand, and are limited to snow removal only. Sidewalks and trails are also extremely difficult to maintain and keep ice-free. As the snow melts, it often gets trapped between the snow banks on either side of the sidewalk or trail where it pools and refreezes.

Salting strategies

The city has not established a "bare pavement" or ice-free (safety) requirement. An industry proven salting strategy is used that balances financial and environmental responsibility to achieve safe driving surfaces for the public. View more information on the city's salting strategies.

FAQs

Does the city salt slippery sidewalks or trails?

Sidewalks and trails are not treated with chemicals or sand, and are limited to snow removal only. Sidewalks and trails are also extremely difficult to maintain and keep ice-free. As the snow melts, it often gets trapped between the snow banks on either side of the sidewalk or trail where it pools and refreezes.
How does salt work in removing ice and snow from roads?

Salt is applied to roadways to lower the freezing point of water. This in turn helps dissolve the snow or ice into a brine solution — a combination of water and salt — and prevents falling snow or rain from freezing. For the salt to work, a heat sources is also needed. The heat source can be air temperature above 15 degrees Fahrenheit, radiant heat from the sun or even friction from tires (traffic).

When the temperature drops below 15 degrees, the effectiveness of salt decreases and it must be treated with calcium chloride or magnesium chloride to help lower the freezing point. At temperatures below zero degrees, bulk products will no longer control snow or ice effectively. The city will then begin to use a sand/salt mixture to providing traction at stop signs, hills and other known hazard locations.
What factors contribute to the effectiveness of salt in removing ice and snow?

The effectiveness of salt in removing ice and snow from roads depends on several factors, including the moisture content of the snow, chemical concentration, pavement temperature, weather conditions, pavement type, traffic volume and width of application.
Are there any parking exemptions in the winter?

Yes. There are some exceptions, but only in a few neighborhoods where parking is limited because of apartment buildings or commercial businesses. In these areas, parking within the first 24 hours of the snow emergency going into effect is allowed. After the 24 hours has passed, vehicles must be moved to allow snow plows to clear the street in that area. Vehicles that aren't moved are subject to ticketing and towing.

View the winter parking exemptions map to locate the areas that are exempt or call 952.924.2562.
Can I get help shoveling my sidewalk?

H.O.M.E., a program of Senior Community Services, a non-profit agency, provides homemaking and home maintenance services for residents age 60 or older in many suburban communities of Hennepin County, including St. Louis Park. Their services include snow shoveling, raking and mowing, interior and exterior painting, minor repairs, installation of safety bars, house cleaning, laundry and grocery shopping. To request services, please call 952.746.4046.

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