City Winter Road Maintenance Ready for the First Snowflakes

In recent weeks, the municipal department for urban green spaces, waste management, and street cleaning has begun preparations for its first winter service operations. As of November 1, 180 employees can officially be called into service, according to Winter Service Director Jörg Winkler. In addition to the municipal department, they come from the Civil Engineering Office, the Drainage Department, as well as the Registry Office and the Cemetery Administration.

A total of 74 vehicles are available for their work. The service area includes, among other things:

• 290 kilometers of major city thoroughfares
• 44 kilometers of school routes and industrial areas
• 199 kilometers of sidewalks and bike paths
• 425 bus stops
• 143 traffic light systems
• 247 crosswalks and intersections
• 39 stairways
• 15 parking spaces
• 11 public spaces

Snow Removal by Priority

Snow removal and salting services for roads are carried out according to so-called priorities.

• In Priority 1, 290 kilometers of major thoroughfares are cleared first.
• Priority 2 includes roads and paths with higher traffic volumes but without structural hazards. These include, for example, schools and kindergartens.
• Priority 3 includes secondary roads and residential streets. To the extent that technical and personnel resources are available, these are cleared only.

Snow Removal and Salting Responsibilities Also Apply to Citizens

However, citizens are also expected to help with snow removal and salting. This is because public sidewalks fall under the responsibility of property owners. They are required to clear snow from the sidewalks:

• on weekdays starting at 7:00 a.m. and
• on Sundays and legal holidays starting at 8:00 a.m.

In the event of snow, frost, or icy conditions, sidewalks must be treated with suitable grit, such as sand or gravel, or cleared of ice. Salt or other corrosive substances must not be used. On stairs, during freezing rain, or in the event of black ice, the use of road salt is permitted. These safety measures must be repeated until 8:00 p.m. as often as necessary to prevent danger to life, health, property, or possessions.

The specific requirements are set forth in the Street Cleaning Ordinance.

Photo: Municipal Department for Urban Greenery, Waste Management, and Street Cleaning