Depth Guide
The City does not use a depth guide to initiate residential street plowing. The City collects data, uses street sensors to monitor the temperature of the roads, and conducts weather forecasting to make data-driven decisions on when and where to initiate plowing. This means different parts of Lincoln may or may not see plows at different times in order to operate and clear snow from streets as efficiently as possible.
Residential Street Data Use
LTU monitors snowfall recordings throughout the City. Crews will use data to determine when and which streets need plowed. Some streets in one neighborhood may not need plows and other streets may.
Other factors to consider include:
- Duration of the snow event;
- Rate of snowfall (and how quickly an event ends);
- Temperature before, during and after an event;
- Next 24- to 48-hour forecast to determine how quickly snow might melt;
- To what extent residential streets already have compacted snow and may not be removable by plow;
- Availability of space to store plowed snow on the streets;
- Potential for melting and refreeze, causing ice dams on residential streets; and frequency of weather events and cumulative street impacts.
If my street is not plowed, can I call to request plowing or de-icing service?
During winter storms when residential plowing occurs, residents may do the following:
- Watch — Watch for the storm to end. Crews are better able to respond to resident service requests after a storm has passed and arterial and emergency streets have been serviced.
- Review — Review the Residential Plowing Tracker to monitor snowplowing progress. Please pause requests unless your service area is shaded in dark green, which means it has been serviced, inspected and approved. If your service area is not shaded in dark green, crews are still plowing and may solve your issue soon.
- Request — Make a service request. Please submit requests to UPLNK.lincoln.ne.gov if your service area is shaded in dark green but requires additional attention.
For a look at plowing progress on main streets, emergency, school and bus routes, review the Snowplow Tracker during winter storms.
Lincoln Transportation and Utilities works hard to maintain Lincoln’s 2,600 lane miles of streets during winter storms. That’s enough lane miles to drive to Times Square in New York City and back. If you’d like to submit a positive message or thank you to Lincoln’s snowfighters, submit your message at UPLNK.lincoln.ne.gov after the winter storm has stopped.
Why does snow pile up at the end of my driveway when City crews plow my street?
This is an unintended consequence related to the amount of snow received and the safest and most effective way to clear residential streets. Operators clear from the center of the street out to the curb, leaving a windrow of snow in the gutter. This is the best place for snow to melt and helps prevent refreezing in the middle of the street where vehicles are most likely to drive. The more snowfall, the higher the windrow. To assist in avoiding this situation, Lincoln Transportation and Utilities recommends scooping up to 10 feet to the left and up to 10 feet to the right of your driveway entrance. This will offer a place for extra snow to go instead of leaving a windrow in front of your driveway.
Video: How to Prevent Snow in Driveway During Street Plowing (:37)
What can I do if my mailbox is hit by a snowplow or if my sod or sprinklers are torn up?
Lincoln Transportation and Utilities understands that events like this can be frustrating for homeowners as snowplow crews work day and night to clear city streets of snow and ice and keep people safe through winter storms.
The public right of way, including the area between the street and sidewalk, is owned by the City. Property owners are allowed to place objects, such as mailboxes, sprinkler systems, landscaping and driveways, in the public right of way.
Property owners are responsible for maintenance, replacement or any damages to the objects on City property caused by, but not limited to snow removal, streets sweeping or other City activities. Those with questions can contact the City Law Department at 402-441-7281.
Cars are parked on both sides of my street, and I can’t get my car through. What should I do?
Call 402-441-6000 to report a street blockage outside of the downtown area (402-441-PARK in downtown area).
Enforcement
Vehicles parked in a way that does not allow other vehicles to pass may be ticketed for obstructing a public street at any time of the year. This situation is not only inconvenient but could be a safety hazard if emergency vehicles are unable to reach their locations.
Parking Guidelines
With heavy and prolonged snow, LTU is sometimes unable to clear the street to the curb because of the depth and volume of the snow. A vehicle should not be parked in a way that interferes with the use of the street.