Public Works

Overview

The Public Works Department is responsible for fleet management, snow removal, storm water control, street development & maintenance, and city engineering.

Street Sweeping

The street sweeper tries to maintain a dust free operation to the extent possible. However, due to irregularities in the street surface it is difficult to make a complete seal with the vacuum unit resulting in occasional dust clouds during operations. The public works department is working to correct these irregularities, but most will require a complete rebuild of the street which will take many years.

Snow Removal Information

Snow events within the City of Delta have generally been fairly minor, but when a response is necessary the City of Delta snow policy is to plow streets according to priority. These priorities are based primarily on emergency access to the hospital, heavily traveled roads and school bus routes. The attached map shows the first and second priority routes. Local streets not highlighted on the map are not plowed or treated until the other routes are passable. Passable doesn’t necessarily mean completely free of ice and snow, but drivable for motorists using appropriate precautions. There are 200 lane miles within the City so it takes time for 2 trucks to adequately cover all of the roads within the City. Many times, the priority routes have to be continually plowed, resulting in less plowing and maintenance on the lower prioritized streets. The City, County and CDOT all work together on those roads that are jointly maintained. The City uses a mix of magnesium chloride, sand and salt to treat the roads during a snow event. Snow plows are not dispatched until the roads have been inspected by one of the public works supervisors. The criteria used for dispatching snow equipment are the following: • At least 1-2 inches of accumulation of snow, or • Blowing snow, or • Icy conditions due to rain or snow melt, or • A combination of winter season factors that are reducing the drivability of the roads The challenges to removing snow within the City are numerous. Parked cars, utility valves and manholes, other motorists among others create conflict points for the snow plow drivers. Motorists and pedestrians should use caution during snow storms so they do not make things more difficult for the plow drivers by creating additional hazards. Do not follow the snow plows too closely as they can make sudden stops and turns. During periods when the temperatures do not get above 20-25 degrees Fahrenheit, the roads will be icy. The plows do not remove ice. The only option is to continue to sand and salt the roads to improve drivability until temperatures increase enough for the salt and magnesium chloride to begin melting the ice. All drivers should remember that we have chosen to live in Colorado and on occasion the roads will be icy and should therefore exercise good judgment and defensive driving when operating their motor vehicle. All citizens can be a part of the solution. Each property owner is responsible for maintaining the sidewalks adjacent to their property. Do not throw the snow in the gutter as this causes additional icing and does not allow the water from melting snow/ice to efficiently flow to the storm drains. Unfortunately, the plows must push snow to the side of the road, rather than to the center in some areas. There are no other places to push the snow, so we ask that each property owner do their best to clear their driveways as necessary. The City treats parking areas adjacent to the drive lanes as a lower priority than local streets, which mean they will not have the snow removed. The City does maintain parking lots in the downtown area to help mitigate parking issues for shoppers and employees. If you are physically unable to remove the snow that the plows push into your driveways we encourage you to contact a neighbor or one of the many private companies that work within the City. If you have questions or concerns please contact Jim Hatheway, Public Works Director at 874-7912.