Well before it snows, the city begins to prepare for snow season. Preparations include training new team members, ensuring equipment is in working order and helping the community prepare for snow.
During winter storms, the city prioritizes clearing key emergency routes, major streets, access to hospitals, schools, transit and critical infrastructure, as well as neighborhood streets with steep slopes and the city’s multi-use path system for walking and bicycling. Like other Front Range communities, the city does not typically clear side and residential streets since most snow melts within a few days and because it would significantly increase costs, impacting other services.
"Our first priority is safety. When our streets and paths are impacted by snow and ice, our teams work around the clock to keep the city's transportation system safe and accessible," said Transportation Maintenance Manager Scott Schlecht. "At the same time, it's important to recognize that winter storms do impact travel, and we ask community members be aware that typical travel conditions cannot always be maintained during the snow season.
Winter 2024 and Beyond
The city is conducting a review of its current Snow and Ice Response Program, including upcoming community engagement opportunities to help inform future program recommendations.
Over 600 community members offered feedback during the first round of engagement earlier this year. The first round focused on learning about community members’ winter travel experience. More information can be found on the city’s website.
For more information about how the city approaches clearing snow and ice, visit the city’s website. For more information about winter travel, visit COtrip Traveler Information.