• Salting Tips
• Shoveling Tips
• Winter Weather Driving Tips
• Home Safety
• If a Snow Emergency is Declared 
• Snow Emergency Routes
• Philadelphia Code for Snow Removal from Sidewalks
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Useful Telephone Numbers 

   

Public safety is the first priority during snow and ice removal on the city's 2,575 miles of streets. The Street Department's objective in each snow storm is to return Philadelphians to their normal business, as quickly and effectively as possible, and to provide safe, passable street conditions at all times.  Keep in mind that the severity of the storm can affect this timetable.

In order to provide roadway conditions that are safe for traffic on primary, secondary, and tertiary (residential) streets throughout the entire City of Philadelphia, the Streets Department has a Snow and Ice Removal Operations Plan. The plan outlines the process for alerting, assembling, and deploying personnel and material resources for storms ranging from minor accumulations to blizzards.

Several professional weather services are used to anticipate the approach of winter weather conditions. When a snowfall or icing is predicted, the City schedules response crews for standby, enabling us to respond quickly to these conditions. Once the storm hits, the City may dispatch some or all of its salt spreaders/plows to clear City streets. The strategy used to clear snow and ice from City streets depends on the interaction of several factors:

The Streets Department's Highway Unit is the primary response unit for the City during snow and ice events. A major challenge the unit incurs during snow removal efforts is snow being shoveled back into plowed streets after city forces cleared the street.  This practice is illegal as well as a hazard to drivers and pedestrians as it hampers the department's plowing operations. Another major challenge is cars parked too close to a corner, which limits the turning radius of snow removal equipment as personnel try to get as close to the corner as possible. The Philadelphia Code 12-913(1)(b)(iii) prohibits parking within 20 feet of a crosswalk at an intersection.

SNOW EMERGENCY

When snow accumulations approach emergency status, the Managing Director may declare a snow emergency. Once an emergency status is declared, the City's 110 miles of Snow Emergency Routes receive the first priority. Owners of vehicles and dumpsters must move them to alternate parking places so that the City's forces can clear snow from curb-to-curb on the emergency routes.

Any vehicle remaining on a Snow Emergency Route during the declared Snow Emergency will be ticketed and towed. If your car is towed, call 215-686-SNOW for its location. Do NOT call 911.

 

SNOW ROUTES

In order to provide effective service during winter storms, the City's streets are divided into primary, secondary, and tertiary route systems. The primary route system encompasses 665 miles, including 110 miles of Snow Emergency Routes. The secondary route system includes another 700 miles of streets (both systems exclude the roadway maintained by the Department of Parks and Recreation). The balance of City streets falls into the tertiary street system, covering approximately 1,125 miles of streets, 25 miles of which are private streets.

PRIMARY ROUTES

Major arterials and access to emergency snow routes (police/fire stations, hospitals, etc.) are kept open to provide a transportation system for these facilities. These include the Snow Emergency Routes. In a snow emergency, these are the first routes cleared.

SECONDARY ROUTES

The secondary major and minor arterials and major collector streets generally have access to schools, business areas, grocery stores, and service stations. These routes are cleared after the primary routes have been serviced.

All other City streets plowed after Primary and Secondary streets have been serviced.

The primary and secondary route systems are salted as soon as significant moisture has accumulated on roadways to minimize potentially dangerous travel conditions. Plowing begins when there is such a sufficient buildup of snow that salting in no longer effective.

SALTING TIPS

• Any commercial de-icer, such as those sold in hardware stores and supermarkets, is acceptable for salting your sidewalk and/or driveway.
• Salt should be applied as soon as a light accumulation has developed on the surface. This will break the bond between subsequent accumulations and the pavement surface, thereby making it easier to shovel. A final light application may be required after removal is completed to melt the remaining residual snow. During a sleet or freezing rain event, de-icing of sidewalks and driveways will require multiple applications as dictated by conditions.
• Be conscious of the environment. Use de-icing slats sparingly. One pound can be used to cover 100 to 200 square feet. For example, 30 to 60 feet of sidewalk with a width of 3 feet can be treated at this rate. The material can be spread manually or with simple equipment such as lawn seed and fertilizer spreaders. Spreaders should be rinsed out once the application is completed.
• Kitty litter can also be used to generate temporary traction.

SHOVELING TIPS

• Keep snow removal equipment and rock salt on hand to melt ice on walkways. Kitty litter can be used to generate temporary traction.
• Avoid overexertion. Cold weather can strain the heart. Unfamiliar exercise, such as shoveling snow or pushing a car, can bring on a heart attack or make other medical conditions worse. Take frequent rest breaks, and drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration.
• Stretch before you go out to warm up your body and prevent injury.
• Be aware of utilities when shoveling snow. Do not cover fire hydrants with snow when clearing sidewalks and driveways. Do not shovel snow into manholes.
• Remember to help your neighbors who may require special assistance, especially the elderly and those with disabilities.
• Do not throw snow into the street.

WINTER WEATHER DRIVING TIPS

    If you must go out in a storm, it is safer to take public transportation whenever  possible.  If you must drive, follow these tips:

• Completely clear your vehicle of snow and ice, including the windows, mirrors, roof, trunk, hood, and lights.
• Be aware of potentially icy areas, such as shady spots and bridges.
• Keep a safe distance of at least five seconds behind other vehicles and trucks plowing the roadway.
• Do not pass a snowplow or spreader unless it is absolutely necessary. Treat these as you would emergency response vehicles.
• Where possible, do not park along the street or on the corner. Snowplow drivers cannot fully clear a road if cars are in their way. 
• If you must park or abandon your vehicle, avoid leaving it in a bus stop area or at a corner as this slows down transportation recovery efforts and may result in your car being towed.
• Keep a small sack of sand or kitty litter in your car for generating traction under wheels.
• Keep an emergency winter driving kit in your car. This should include such items as a manual can opener, canned food, and bottled water.

HOME SAFETY TIPS

• Listen to KYW News Radio, local radio, and TV stations like the Weather Channel for updates. Be alert to changing weather conditions and avoid unnecessary travel.
• Make sure you have sufficient heating fuel; regular fuel sources may be cut off.
• Check in on relatives, friends, and neighbors who may need assistance preparing for a storm.
• Always keep a manual can opener, canned food, and bottled water for emergency situations.

If the power goes off:

• Use a battery-powered radio to obtain information about the storm.
• Turn off electrical appliances that were on when the power went off to avoid a power surge and possible damage to them when power is restored.
• If power will be out a long time, consider going to a Red Cross shelter, hotel, or someone else's home ONLY after the roads are passable and authorities say it is safe to travel.
• Use flashlights to see. Do not use candles because they greatly increase chances of having a fire in your home.  

Tips for Portable Space Heating Equipment:

• Use equipment that is approved for indoor use.
• Keep combustible materials, including furniture, drapes, and carpeting at least 3 feet away from the heat source.
• Always keep an eye on the equipment. Never leave children alone in the room where a space heater is running. Turn it off when you are unable to closely monitor it.
• Dry mittens, gloves, socks, and scarves in a clothes dryer. NEVER drape them over a space heater to dry.

IF A SNOW EMERGENCY IS DECLARED

As winter weather approaches, the Streets Department closely monitors weather forecasts to provide advance notice of adverse weather conditions. When snow accumulations approach emergency status, the Managing Director may declare a snow emergency. Please stay tuned to your radio and television news.

If a Snow Emergency is declared, the City will plow the 110 miles of snow emergency routes from curb-to-curb. This means owners of vehicles and dumpsters must move them to alternate parking places. Vehicles that cannot move under their own power are not exempt. Vehicles and dumpsters cannot park on snow emergency routes until the emergency has been declared over.

Residents should look for snow emergency route signs along streets when they work, live, or shop. They are large signs saying "Snow Emergency Route" in white letters on a red background. Plan ahead for alternate parking accommodations.

Failure to move vehicles and dumpsters can result in a towing charge of up to $150.00 or a substantial fine.

If you think your vehicle has been towed from a Snow Emergency Route, call (215) 686-SNOW.  Be prepared to give as much information as possible to identify your vehicle.

Citizens should NOT call 911. Police Department dispatchers do not have information on vehicles towed as a result of plowing operations on Snow Emergency Routes.

Motorists may drive on snow emergency routes as long as their vehicles are equipped to handle adverse conditions. Vehicles that stall or become stuck along snow emergency routes are also subject to towing and fines.

ON	FROM	TO
06TH ST	I-676 OFF RAMP	MARKET ST
07TH ST	MARKET ST	I-676 ON RAMP
15TH ST	I-676 OFF RAMP	MARKET ST
16TH ST	MARKET ST	I-676 ON RAMP
20TH ST	CHESTNUT ST	MARKET ST
26TH ST	I-76 ON / OFF RAMPS	PENROSE AVE
34TH ST	UNIVERSITY AVE	GRAYS FERRY AVE
38TH ST	WALNUT ST	UNIVERSITY AVE
63RD ST	CITY AVE	WALNUT ST
ACADEMY RD	FRANKFORD AVE	GRANT AVE
ALLEGHENY AVE	HUNTING PARK AVE	I-95 ON / OFF RAMPS
BEN FRANKLIN PKWY	ART MUSEUM CIRCLE	16TH ST
BRIDGE ST	HARBISON AVE	I-95 ON RAMP
BROAD ST	CHELTENHAM AVE	I-95 ON / OFF RAMPS
BUSTLETON AVE	FRANKFORD AVE	COUNTY LINE RD
CHESTNUT ST	COBBS CREEK PKWY	20TH ST
CITY AVE	CITY BOUNDARY	I-76 ON RAMPS
COBBS CREEK PKWY	WALNUT ST	WOODLAND AVE
COTTMAN AVE	I-95 OFF RAMP	FILLMORE ST
ENTERPRISE AVE	ISLAND AVE	I-95 ON / OFF RAMPS
GERMANTOWN AVE	N BROAD ST	NORTHWESTERN AVE
GIRARD AVE	LANCASTER AVE	I-95 ON / OFF RAMPS
GRANT AVE	WELSH RD	ACADEMY RD
GRAYS FERRY AVE	34TH ST	WASHINGTON AVE
HARBISON AVE	BRIDGE	ROOSEVELT BLVD
HENRY AVE	CATHEDRAL RD	HUNTING PARK AVE
HUNTING PARK AVE	HENRY AVE	KELLY DR
ISLAND AVE	WOODLAND AVE	ENTERPRISE AVE
KELLY DR	LINCOLN DR	ART MUSEUM CIRCLE
LANCASTER AVE	CITY AVE	GIRARD AVE
LINCOLN DRIVE	RIDGE AVE	WISSAHICKON AVE
MARKET ST	SCHUYLKILL AVE	I-95 ON RAMP
OGONTZ AVE	WASHINGTON LA	CHELTENHAM AVE
POPLAR ST	WEST COLLEGE AVE	GIRARD AVE
PRINCETON AVE	TORRESDALE AVE	I-95 ON / OFF RAMPS
RIDGE AVE (NORTH)	NORTHWESTERN AVE	CATHEDRAL RD
RIDGE AVE (SOUTH)	WALNUT LN	CITY AVE ON RAMP
ROOSEVELT BLVD	09TH ST	CITY BOUNDARY
SCHUYLKILL AVE	MARKET ST	WALNUT ST
SEDGLEY AVE	ALLEGHENY AVE	ALLEGHENY AVE
STENTON AVE	NORTHWESTERN AVE	BROAD ST
TACONY ST / STATE RD	BRIDGE ST	TACONY-PALMYRA BRIDGE
TORRESDALE AVE	COTTMAN AVE	PRINCETON AVE
UNIVERSITY AVE	38TH / 39TH ST	34TH ST
WALNUT LN	WAYNE AVE	RIDGE AVE
WALNUT ST	BROAD ST	COBBS CREEK PKWY
WASHINGTON AVE	GRAYS FERRY AVE	CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUS BLVD
WASHINGTON LA	WAYNE AVE	OGONTZ AVE
WAYNE AVE	WALNUT LN	WASHINGTON LA
WELSH RD	CITY BOUNDARY	GRANT AVE
WEST COLLEGE AVE	POPLAR ST	GIRARD AVE
WEST RIVER DR	ART MUSEUM CIRCLE	FALLS BRIDGE
WISSAHICKON AVE	LINCOLN DR	WALNUT LN
WOODLAND AVE	COBBS CREEK PKWY	UNIVERSITY AVE

For more information on Snow Emergency Routes click here.

PHILADELPHIA CODE 10-720 REGARDING SNOW REMOVAL FROM SIDEWALKS

According to the Philadelphia Code (10-720), "(1) the owner, agent, and tenants of any building or premise shall clear a path of not less than 36 inches in width on all sidewalks, including curb cuts, abutting the building or premises within 6 (six) hours after the snow has ceased to fall. The path shall be thoroughly cleared of snow and ice. Where the width of any pavement measured from the property line to the curb is less than 3 (three) feet, the path cleared may be only 12 inches in width. When the building in question is a multifamily dwelling, the owner or his agent shall be responsible for compliance with the requirements of this section."

(2) Snow or ice removed from sidewalks, driveways, or other areas shall not be placed or piled in the street.

(3) Any person who violates this Section shall be subject to the provisions and penalties set forth in 10-718 and 10-719.

The penalty for violating this provision can range from "a minimum fine of fifty dollars ($50) to no more than three hundred dollars ($300) for each violation."

To report a sidewalk or curb cut that has not been cleared, residents may call the Streets Department Customer Affairs Unit at (215) 686-5560.  For all City services dial 3-1-1. 

Private plows piling snow in the street after city forces have cleared the roadway is illegal, as well as a hazard to drivers and pedestrians.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Every snowfall is unique and responses may vary.

When should residents and businesses begin removing the snow from the sidewalk?

Within six hours of the end of a snowfall or freezing rain, you must clear a path at least 36 inches wide on your sidewalk including the curb cuts. Do not shovel or sweep the snow into the street. The penalty for violating this regulation can range from a minimum fine of $50 up to $300 for each violation.  To report a sidewalk or curb cut that has not been cleared, residents may call the Streets Department Customer Affairs Unit at (215) 686-5560.  For all City services dial 3-1-1. 

How does the City prepare for the snow and ice season?

During the year, Streets Department employees get ready for snow removal by stockpiling thousands of tons of salt, sand, and chemicals at strategic locations. In addition, equipment is tested on dry runs, employees are given special training, snow routes are driven, and private individuals and companies with heavy equipment are contracted and placed on standby in case they are needed to help with snow removal.

What roads is the City responsible for clearing?

The Streets Department's Highway Division maintains a total of 2,525 miles of City and State roads in Philadelphia.

What is put on roads to prevent and remove icing in the winter?

In preparation for snow, Streets Department crews apply a brine solution, a treatment process to prevent icing on city streets. Salt, calcium chloride, anti-skid materials or a combination of these are applied to roads during snow and ice removal operations. Salt and calcium chloride help to melt the snow or ice, but calcium chloride is only used when temperatures fall below 20 degrees Fahrenheit. Anti-skid materials provide traction and are made of sand, fine stone (commonly called grits), and washed cinders. The amounts and types of materials used are determined by the type of road and severity of the storm.

Why does a truck move so slowly while plowing snow and spreading anti-skid material?

The driver must adjust his or her vehicle speed according to the weather conditions. If traveling too fast, anti-skid materials will not stay on the road. Passing a snowplow can be extremely dangerous. There is never a safe time to pass, but if you must, do so with extreme caution.

What is a safe distance to follow behind a plow truck?

The normal safe following distance between any two vehicles (the two-second rule) should be doubled during inclement weather.

Is it true that bridges freeze before road surfaces do?

Yes, because the air below bridges tends to cool the bridge faster than the ground below roadways.

What is black ice?

Black ice is a thin layer of transparent ice that is not always visible on the roadway.  Black ice is very slippery.

Why do snowplows block my driveway with snow when they clear the road?

We apologize for this inconvenience; however this is often necessary to quickly clear as many roads as possible. As the City's snowplow operators push the snow off the roadway in smooth, continuous passes, the snow can end up in gutters and on road shoulders, which sometimes blocks driveways and small streets. To avoid additional labor, try to shovel snow from your driveway as you face the road.

How does the City decide which roads to clear first?

Roads carrying the most traffic get top priority. Snow Emergency Routes and most primary roads are cleared first. Secondary roads with high traffic volumes also receive early snow-removal attention.

Top priority roadways, or snow emergency routes, are highways designated by the City for immediate snow removal, so emergency vehicles can use them. Once the snow stops and the main roads are clear, residential streets will be salted and/or plowed.

I have sometimes seen City trucks driving along with their snowplows up when it is snowing. Why?

There are several reasons plows are not always pushing snow. Trucks may be spreading salt and sand or heading back to maintenance yard for refill. They may also be in route to their assigned area.  

When will all roads be passable after a storm?

Our goal is to make all roads passable as soon as possible after a storm. The City's snow-removal crews work around the clock until conditions are safe for travel.

Why does the City not put salt on the roads before it snows?

Putting salt on road surfaces prior to a snowfall wastes time and money as the salt blows right off the road. Salt is most effective after the snow has accumulated about an inch and the temperature is 20 F/-6 C or higher. Under these conditions, the salt and snow will mix, melting the snow into a slush that can easily be cleared off the roadway.

USEFUL TELEPHONE NUMBERS IN CASE OF SNOW EMERGENCY

All City Services 

Dial 3-1-1

Streets Department Customer Affairs Unit 215-686-5560

Police/Fire/Medical Emergency

911 or dial "0" for the operator

Philadelphia Electric Company (PECO)

Service interruption; power lines down; transformers damaged

1-800-841-4141

Philadelphia Gas Works (PGW)

Gas leaks/emergencies - (215) 235-1212

Customer service - (215) 235-1000

Verizon

Service disruption (residential) - 1-800-VERIZON (837-4966)

Philadelphia Water Department (PWD)

Water & sewer emergencies; service problems (215) 685-6300

PennDOT

1-888-9-READYPA

www.dot.state.pa.us/winter

For travel conditions call 5-1-1

• All vehicles must be moved from Snow Emergency Routes.
• Salt sidewalks.
• Clear a sidewalk path at least 36" wide within 6 hours of the end of storm.
• Do not shovel snow into the street.
• Listen to news reports regarding trash/recycling collection.
• Assist the sick and the elderly.
• Work with neighbors to clear sidewalks and street.
• Use public transportation.
• To ensure public safety, observe parking regulations: 20 ft. from corner; 30 ft. from stop sign; 15 ft. from fire hydrant.
• Do not reserve parking spaces.
• Make sure trash/recycling is visible.

Reminder to Philadelphia residents/property owners:
Within six hours of the end of a snowfall or freezing rain, you must clear a path at least 36 inches wide on your sidewalk including the curb cuts. Do not shovel or sweep the snow into the street. The penalty for violating this regulation can range from a minimum fine of $50 up to $300 for each violation.  To report a sidewalk or curb cut that has not been cleared, call the Streets Department Customer Affairs Unit at (215) 686-5560.  For all City services dial 3-1-1.