With winter on its way, please take a few minutes to review the Town of Parker's Snow Operations Policy, including snow plowing priorities, as well as tips on dealing with winter weather in our community.
It is the Town of Parker’s goal to provide the best snow service possible within the constraints of budget, personnel and available equipment. Keep in mind that Parker Road/State Highway 83 is maintained and plowed by the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT), rather than the Town.
Snow Operations Policy
Although the Public Works Department has a snow plowing priority system in place, the time required to clear the roads depends on several variables such as the snowstorm intensity, duration, wind and the temperature.
The Town of Parker sees approximately six feet of snow during an average snow season, which is typically spread over several dozen snow events. Arterial roadways are our first priority and will be cleared first. These are the major roadways that carry the most traffic volume, such as Stroh Road, Hess Road, 20 Mile Road, Cottonwood Drive, Canterberry Parkway, Lincoln Avenue, Jordan Road, Pine Drive, Hilltop Road and Mainstreet.
Collector streets are our second priority, including, but not limited to, Dransfeldt, Riva Ridge, Motsenbocker, J. Morgan, Nate, Bradbury Parkway, Clark Farms Drive, Pine Lane, Apache Plume, Crown Crest Boulevard, Tallman, Omaha and Canterberry Trail. These streets provide access to the arterial roadways and will be cleared once the arterial roadways have been plowed.
School bus routes not already plowed under the second priority are our third priority and will be plowed when accumulation exceeds three inches. Per Town Council policy, local residential roads and cul-de-sacs that provide traffic flow within subdivisions and access to homes are not plowed unless an average of at least 10 inches of snow has accumulated on pavement or if major drifting has occurred. Snow depths are determined by actual snowfall measurements on streets in a variety of locations throughout Town. When residential streets are plowed, only approximately an 18- to 20-foot-wide path will be cleared.
A map of the Town of Parker’s snow routes is available online at www.ParkerOnline.org/SnowMap. For more information on the Town’s snow policy, email Public Works or call 303.840.9546.
Snow Tips for Residents
* It is the homeowner’s responsibility to remove snow and ice from all sidewalks adjacent to their property within 48 hours of the end of any snow, sleet or freezing rain. Failure to do so in the specified time frame is a violation of the Town’s municipal code and can result in a fine to the homeowner.
* Avoid shoveling or blowing snow into the street. If your street is plowed, some snow will get back on your driveway and we understand that this can be frustrating. You can help by shoveling snow from sidewalks or driveways into your yard as any snow placed in the street will likely be pushed back into your driveway by a passing snow plow. In addition, snow placed in the gutter may cause icing issues.
* Park vehicles off of the street when it snows. This keeps vehicles from being plowed in, protects them from passing vehicles and gives snow plows more space to maneuver.
* Stay at home if possible and avoid the stress of driving in poor weather conditions. Every car left at home reduces the number of potentially stranded vehicles which can slow down plowing operations. When there are fewer vehicles operating on the roadways, the quicker the streets can be cleared.
* Keep children out of the street. Remind your children to avoid playing on snow piled on the road or in cul-de-sacs. Equipment operators may not see children playing due to low visibility or other causes.
* When driving near a snow plow, slow down and use caution. If you can’t see the snow plow’s mirrors, the driver probably can’t see you.
For more winter weather tips, visit www.ParkerOnline.org/SnowTips.