Snow Plowing
As we all know last winter was and the current winter continues to be some of the most challenging in recent memory due to the amount of snowfall, the severely cold temperatures, and the timing of the snowfall events. These factors directly affect the department’s ability to remove the snow in a timely manner. Please keep in mind that if you are caught in traffic due to icy roadways, the Village plow trucks are caught in that same traffic and are unable to perform the task at hand.
The Village has purchased 1755 tons of rock salt for 2014-2015 so far this season and also has an additional 500 tons on order at this time. Furthermore, 5000 gallons of liquid deicer have been applied with the salt.
Village of Moreland Hills Snow removal procedures
The Service Department provides snow removal for all dedicated streets within the Village of Moreland Hills boundaries which totals approximately 78 lane miles. During a continuous snowfall, the plow routes are divided into two zones. Routes are plowed and salted with the Village main roads and secondary roads with steep grades taking top priority. When the snowplow operator has determined that the priority streets are safe for travel, all other secondary and side streets will be plowed and salted. During heavy continuous snow storms, the Service Department enacts a conservation mode regarding salt usage requiring that all roads be plowed and that salt only be applied at curves, hills, and intersections.
During extreme low temperatures, salt is applied at a minimum on side streets due to its ineffectiveness at temperatures below 14 degrees.
The number of salt and plow trucks that are deployed during a storm is determined by the following factors.
- Weekday snowfalls Between the Hours of 7:00am and 8:00pm: Four (4) trucks are deployed for snow removal efforts with two (2) trucks being assigned to each zone.
- Weekend and Nighttime: Two (2) trucks are deployed for snow removal. Plow operators may request a third truck during this time frame, if conditions require further assistance.