The Edina Public Works Department takes a great deal of pride in the service that it provides to the residents of this community. During the winter months, nearly all members of the Public Works Department work on snow and ice control.

When Snow or Ice Control Operations Begin

The City of Edina begins snow or ice control operations when there is:

• Snow accumulation of 1.5 inches or more.
• Drifting of snow that causes problems for travel.
• Icy conditions which seriously affect travel.

Time of snowfall in relationship to heavy use of streets is also factored into decisions about when to plow.

Plowing and Snow Storage

Snow will be plowed in a manner so as to minimize traffic obstructions. The center of the roadway will be plowed first and then snow will be pushed from left to right on two-way streets. On one-way streets or where there is a center boulevard, snow may be pushed in either direction. The discharge shall go onto the boulevard area of the street. Snow on cul-de-sacs will normally be plowed based on snow storage availability and for emergency vehicle ingress and egress.

Snow removal will occur in areas where there is no room on the boulevard for snow storage and in areas where accumulated piles of snow create a hazardous condition. Snow removal operations will not begin until other snowplowing operations have been completed. Snow removal operations may also be delayed depending on weather conditions, personnel and budget availability. The snow will be removed and hauled to a designated snow storage area. The snow storage area will be located so as to minimize environmental problems.

Street Plowing Priority

The City has classified City streets based on the street function, traffic volume and importance to the welfare of the community. Those streets classified as “Red Routes” will be plowed first. These are high-volume routes that connect major sections of the City and provide access for emergency fire, police and medical services. The second-priority streets are those streets providing access to schools and commercial businesses. The third-priority streets are low volume residential streets. The fourth-priority areas are alleys and City parking lots.

Sidewalk Clearing

The City maintains a portion of the City's sidewalk system. As there are a limited number of personnel available, the City will only maintain these sidewalks after the streets have been plowed. It is the responsibility of the resident and/or property owner to remove all accumulated snow from all other sidewalks along public streets adjoining their property. This includes any snow plowed from public streets onto the sidewalk.

Mailbox Damage

Coming into contact with a mailbox is a common obstacle snowplow operators face during storm activities. The City will conduct a review of each mailbox incident to determine whether the City will replace or provide reimbursement for the mailbox. Only mailboxes actually hit by a snowplow will be the responsibility of the City. The City will not be responsible for damage to mailboxes or support posts caused by snow or ice coming into contact with the mailbox. 

At the mailbox owner’s request, the City will replace the mailbox with a standard size, non-decorative metal mailbox and replace the support post as necessary with a four-by-four decay resistant wood support post, both installed by the City. Alternatively, the City will reimburse the mailbox owner $50 for the replacement of the mailbox and post by others.

Often, plow drivers literally "feel" their way along streets because of conditions, and regrettably, lawns are cut up. If this happens to you, please report it to Street Maintenance at 952-826-0303 or report the problem online. Damages are repaired each spring with black dirt and seed or sod.

Safety Tips Around Snow Plow

We need your help! Please don't crowd the plow!

We all share in the responsibility of keeping our roads safe. That's why it is very important for residents, especially children, to know what they can do to help snow plow operators: