Snow Removal

DPW salts the roads when they begin to get slick. Salt works best between 15 - 25°.  We also begin plowing the roads when there is 2” or more of snowfall. 

DPW plows and salts the roads in priority order.  We begin with the state trunklines (Washtenaw, West Cross by EMU, Michigan Ave downtown and east to Ecorse, Hamilton, and Huron) and the emergency facilities as our highest priority roads, then move to major roads. Then, usually during business hours, local roads and sidewalks by City facilities like City Hall are done. 

When snow or ice are in the forecast, please move any obstructions in the street out of the way.  This includes trash cans, yard waste, and vehicles. This helps make plowing easier for our crews and far more effective for you. When you are clearing snow from your property, remember it is unlawful to deposit your snow into the roadway.

Property owners are responsible for removing snow from their sidewalks. 

Snow Emergencies

During a snow emergency, parking will not be permitted on certain City streets. These streets are signed as snow routes. 

The City of Ypsilanti uses Washtenaw County's emergency notification system powered by Everbridge.  Everbridge is a secure communication service that allows local, county, and state agencies to connect with local residents over cell phone, email, and internet. Visit www.washtenaw.org/alerts to sign up!

Methods

The City uses rock salt and several sizes and styles of plows. The City does not use  brine, treated salt, or alternative ice-melt solutions due to space constraints at the DPW yard.  Rock salt will not be applied to roadways in anticipation of an event, as this has not been shown to be effective and has a net result of polluting area waterways. 

Driveways and Sidewalk Ramps

To minimize the possibility that City plows might plow shoveled snow back into your driveway or curb cut, please shovel/pile the snow to the right (downstream) side of your drive or curbcut as you face the road, and clear a pocket of snow on the opposite (left, upstream) side. Much of the accumulated snow on the plow will dump into the pocket and not in the driveway or curb cut.

Storm Drains

As snow melts, it has to go somewhere. Every attempt is made to plow such that storm drains are uncovered and meltwater has a safe drainage route, but from time to time these may become covered. Please help meltwater drain- and prevent flooding - by keeping storm drains clear of debris and not putting additional snow or ice into a roadway.