Municipalities of all sizes face challenges in managing snow operations. Operational efficiency for snowplow fleets is a priority for keeping roads safe and accessible, helping drivers under all weather conditions, and saving taxpayer dollars.

“Each winter season, municipalities around the world commit significant time and resources to the safe and efficient removal of snow. It is an absolute priority with implications for emergency services, city operations, resident satisfaction and more,” says Tyler Molinaro, VP at Routeware, whose fleet management solution aims to help municipalities better manage snow removal operations. 

While most local governments provide snow removal services for their residents, large snowstorms are unique and unpredictable emergency situations that require flexible operations.

The cornerstone of effective snow and ice control is prioritizing safety for emergency vehicles and travel to continue as needed for business. City managers must make smart investments in snow and ice control equipment and technology to ensure resident safety and to get businesses back up and running as quickly as possible after a major snow event—or to keep them running through its duration. 

Planning for the Unknown Demands Flexibility

How do you plan for unpredictable weather events? 

Because winter weather demands flexibility, cities tailor action plans to possible emergency scenarios. A common way to manage snow removal is to prioritize your routes by each street segment. Emergency routes around hospitals are critical priorities, followed by business corridors and, finally, residential streets. Snow removal teams cycle through their routes, but the higher priority routes may take precedence if the snow is heavy and removal crews can’t get to the residential streets. Digitized routing plans and regular route optimization exercises are essential to enabling this approach.

Since snow storms can be less common in some cities, snow removal labor forces don’t always receive the same day-to-day practice as solid waste crews. Thanks to digital fleet solutions, cities can now leverage city data before a storm arrives to ensure they are as prepared as possible and to train and brief drivers more quickly.

During the off-season, snow teams can prepare for the winter by running mock events to ensure equipment is working and acclimating staff to their routes.

When developing winter weather operations, consider these factors that differentiate snow and ice management from regular waste removal:

• Flexibility is key: Snow events can be highly unpredictable, putting pressure on teams to change routes, work overtime and manage an influx of service request calls.
• One pass isn’t enough: Unlike other municipal fleets, plows must pass roads multiple times before they are considered clear.
• Unseen obstacles abound: Metal plates, speed bumps and other hazards lurk below the snow, potentially damaging plows or causing accidents.
• Requests are time-sensitive: Clearing roads of snow and ice is a critical service and essential to emergency management.