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.

To keep up with growth and ensure streets remain safe and accessible for emergency personnel during and after snow and ice events, the Town of Frederick uses a tiered approach to snow control. This plan prioritizes roadway plowing based on safety, traffic volume, and emergency access.

Primary routes (Tier 1) and secondary routes (Tier 2) are prioritized for plowing due to snow accumulation and icy conditions. All other residential streets (Tier 3) are plowed after snowstorms that produce more than six inches of snow within a 24-hour period.

What does this mean to you as a Frederick resident?

To prioritize public safety, the Town focuses snow removal efforts on emergency routes, major arterials, and main subdivision routes. These roads are essential for emergency response, school transportation, and general travel during winter weather events. By concentrating resources on these key routes first, emergency personnel can move safely throughout the community, and residents can access critical services.

If you do not live on a Tier 1 or Tier 2 route, your street will be plowed after significant snowfall meets the Tier 3 threshold. This approach allows the Town to respond efficiently while maintaining safety during winter storms.

What are the Tiers?

Tier 1

• Emergency routes and major arterials are 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.

IMPROVED Tier 3 

• Residential streets will be plowed after snowstorms that produce over six inches (changed from eight inches) of snow within a 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 to ensure optimal drainage. Tier 4 will be activated after Tier 1, 2, and 3 are safe and completed. 

NEW Technology

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

To ensure residents are well-informed about the status of snowplows in the Town, we will be equipping our plow vehicles with GPS technology, providing real-time visibility to the public. 

We understand that snow and ice control is a top priority for our community, and we are committed to providing the best possible service. 

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 

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. We have provided a link at the top of the page that shows the designated Tier levels.

All other streets are considered Tier 3 unless otherwise marked*.

*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, Concerns, or Comments? Please use our Submit a Report  https://www.frederickco.gov/1004/submit-a-report which is accessible on both desktop and mobile devices through our Town APP.