Snow and Ice Control

We all know winter weather can be sudden and unexpected in Colorado. In addition, weather forecasts help us prepare for winter storms that may bring light dustings or phantom accumulations. The Town of Frederick Public Works Department maintains approximately 104 miles of public streets (220 lane miles) and over 18 miles of trails and sidewalks across Town. As the Town grows, more roads are added, increasing the overall street maintenance workload carried by Public Works.

In October 2021, to keep up with growth and keep streets safe and ready for emergency personnel during and after storms producing snow and ice, the Town adopted a tiered approach to snow control. This plan prioritized and identified primary routes (Tier 1) and secondary routes (Tier 2) as designated roads to be plowed due to snow accumulation and icy conditions. All other residential streets (Tier 3) are to be plowed after snowstorms that produce over six inches (changed from eight inches) of snow within one 24-hour period.

What does this mean to you as a Frederick resident?

Traditionally, our Public Works department plowed every street in every subdivision and neighborhood maintained by the Town of Frederick. And while this plan was very appealing, the goal to keep emergency routes and at least one artery through each area suffered due to the overall workload. To prioritize the safety of our residents, we've shifted focus towards emergency routes, major arterials, and main subdivision routes. These routes are crucial for our emergency personnel to navigate safely, ultimately improving the overall well-being of our community. So, unless you live on Tier 1 or Tier 2 route, your street will not be plowed unless we experience a significant storm.

After receiving community feedback, we've made some improvements to our 2023-24 Plan

What are the Tiers?

Tier 1: 

• Emergency routes and major arterials used by emergency services to access hospitals and schools. Tier 1 is the priority for town plow drivers.

Tier 2:

• Collectors (roads that connect local roads and streets with arterials) and the designated in and out route through each neighborhood.

Tier 3: 

• Residential streets will be plowed after snowstorms that produce over six inches (changed from eight inches) of snow within one 24-hour period. Residential streets will only be plowed after the Tier 1, and Tier 2 routes are safe and completed. Tier 3 will be only one or two passes depending on the overall width of the streets.

NEW Tier 4: 

• Ice Removal will occur if cold temperatures persist and snow may be hauled if there is considerable accumulation. Inlets will be cleared for optimal draining. Tier 4 will be activated after Tier 1, 2, and 3, are safe and completed. 

NEW Weather Station

We have implemented a weather station in town to track snow conditions to better gauge resources needed to clear the roads faster and more efficiently. This weather station is equipped with a state-of-the-art sensor that can accurately measure temperature, humidity, wind speed, and precipitation levels.

We understand that snow and ice control is a top priority for our community, and we are committed to providing the best possible service. We believe that weather stations will help us achieve this goal by giving us real-time data on snow conditions throughout town.

Reminders about residential street plowing: 

Plows will make one pass down the middle of the street, not a curb-to-curb street clearing. Do not expect to see bare pavement.

•  Our aim is to make a lane that can be used by cars and trucks ready for winter conditions.
• Plows go down the middle of the street to avoid getting snow on sidewalks, parked cars, and in front of driveways. Unfortunately, this in unavoidable in some areas. Be prepared to join in on snow removal efforts.

Safety is a community effort!

• Do not park on Tier 1 Emergency Routes. Rescue efforts need these main roads to stay clear to access hospitals and schools! Besides, you don't want your car plowed in
• Please help our Public Works Plow Team by avoiding street parking whenever possible.
•  Snow Plows need room to work! So please give them plenty of space. Plus, you don't want to run into one of these heavy-duty trucks!
• Shovel snow from your sidewalks and driveways into your yard! Pushing it onto the road creates ice. Moving it into your yard makes your lawn happy.

Snow & Ice Control Map

Town roads and streets have a designated Tier level. The plan identifies primary routes (Tier 1) and secondary routes (Tier 2) as designated roads to be plowed due to snow accumulation and icy conditions. All other residential streets (Tier 3) will  be plowed after snowstorms that produce over six inches of snow within one 24-hour period. Tier 4 has been added to address ice removal when cold temperatures exit, snow hauling for considerable accumulation, and clearing inlets for optimal drainage.

View the online map that will show you the Tier 1 and Tier 2 routes. All other streets are considered Tier 3 unless otherwise marked*. You can click on the map to see every street's designation.

*Please note, there are some roads that we will not plow under any condition:

• Roads under “conditional acceptance”. These are roads and streets that are still under the control of a developer. 
• Roads with a speed bump. Speed bumps may damage plow equipment.
• Gravel roads.
• Alleyways.
• Private roads.

Stay Safe!

The town encourages motorists to drive safely and slow down during unsafe winter conditions. Plow drivers appreciate the cooperation of motorists as plows are less maneuverable than other vehicles. Give 'em space and stay safe!

Questions? Contact us at 720.382.5800.