Snow Removal
The City of Durango is responsible for plowing snow from 164 lane miles of roads within the city limits and removing snow from 55 city blocks in the Main Street commercial area.
The city provides 24-hour snow plowing during storm events in seven zones throughout the Durango. Snowplowing is prioritized to major roadways and accesses to fire stations, hospitals and other emergency facilities. When snow is clear from those areas, snowplows proceed to collector streets and school bus routes, residential streets and cul-de-sacs. Alleys are plowed last. Community members can help the city maintain safe travel routes during and immediately after snow events by:
- Staying home when possible
- Not parking on snow routes
- Keeping sidewalks adjoining or abutting their properties clear of snow and ice
If you have questions or need more information about City of Durango snow plowing, call (970) 375-4646. Interested in becoming a streets operator/snow plow driver? Learn more and apply at DurangoGov.org/Jobs
Snow routes are streets designated as important and necessary routes for safe travel within the City of Durango. Motor vehicles may be towed from designated snow routes if they are not moved when snow routes are enacted.
To avoid getting towed, don't park your car on a snow route if it snows more than two inches, and find off street parking if you plan to leave for an extended period of time. Type your address in this interactive map to see if you live along a snow route.
Sign up to receive Durango Alerts to receive notifications about snow routes and other important city information.
City code requires owners/occupants of any property abutting or adjoining a public sidewalk to keep the sidewalk clear of snow and ice. Clear sidewalks are important for the safety of pedestrians, individuals using mobility devices and students walking to school.
To report a violation, call Code Enforcement at (970) 375-4930 or make a report online.
Why do the plows block my driveway with snow?
The primary goal of plowing is to remove snow from streets so that the road is open to vehicular traffic. Plowing pushes snow to the side from the middle of the street which can, unfortunately, pile snow in front of driveways. Plow drivers have very little control over plowing in driveways in a large snowfall event. When possible, they will try to prevent excessive blockages at driveways. Factors such as snow intensity, snow forecasts and route prioritization may keep plow drivers from pushing the snow all the way to the gutters for a day or two following a large snow event.
Residents are encouraged to wait until the plow has been through their street before cleaning their driveway and mailbox area. If more snow occurs, the plows may have to make multiple passes on a road at a later time to keep the road clear. Please remember that residents are responsible for their driveways, sidewalks and mailbox areas.
Why can't I shovel or plow the snow from my driveway into the city street?
It is against City Code to deposit snow from private property into city streets. Residents are asked to throw/blow snow on grassy areas where it becomes free water for vegetation.