Sidewalk Snow Removal

City To Review Sidewalk Snow Maintenance

City staff, led by Park Maintenance, are investigating potential adjustments to sidewalk snow removal processes to better align with other City snow removal operations and to improve winter conditions for pedestrians. Currently, Park Maintenance staff clear snow from all public sidewalks and trails in Bloomington. Depending on the amount of accumulated snow, this process can take up to three days to complete. Meanwhile, street and cul-de-sac plowing is typically completed within one day.

To achieve a similar turnaround time, sidewalk plow routes would need to be shortened either by adding staff and equipment, or by enforcement of a City ordinance requiring property owners to clear sidewalks adjacent to their property. Arriving at well planned adjustment options for the sidewalk plowing operation will require significant public and internal input.

City To Review Sidewalk Snow Maintenance

Proposed Modification for Public Review

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The public is invited to review the proposed sidewalk snow removal reduction proposal. This update is being provided for discussion to the PARC on May 14 and City Council on May 19. The proposal recommends a reduction of 91 miles of sidewalk clearing to be turned back to business and resident property owners. The proposed map shows city covered sidewalks in black. Sidewalks in red would be turned back to property owners for snow removal.
Sidewalk plowing proposal map photo. Click on image for larger pdf of this image.

City sidewalks are cleared by park maintenance staff and will focusContinue reading
The public is invited to review the proposed sidewalk snow removal reduction proposal. This update is being provided for discussion to the PARC on May 14 and City Council on May 19. The proposal recommends a reduction of 91 miles of sidewalk clearing to be turned back to business and resident property owners. The proposed map shows city covered sidewalks in black. Sidewalks in red would be turned back to property owners for snow removal.
Sidewalk plowing proposal map photo. Click on image for larger pdf of this image.

City sidewalks are cleared by park maintenance staff and will focus on,

City owned properties

Higher volume road classification (arterials and major collectors) as identified in the city's comprehensive plan

Sidewalk adjacent to roadways (curbside)

This shared approach to sidewalk snow removal addresses many of the identified concerns in the service review including,

Route reduction to be more in line with other city snow operations and comparable city operation from approximately 25 miles to 13 miles per route

Clearing occurring in a timelier manner with shared responsibility with property owners

Safer and more usable sidewalks of snow and ice clearing with a concentrated effort by city staff on higher volume roads and partnership with property owners who can clear closer to the pavement with shovels and smaller snow blowers

Accessibility focus on arterials and major collectors cleared by the city. Some of these areas are also identified as key areas where larger numbers of people with disabilities live and do business.

Resource information will be provided for older adults and people with disabilities who need support to clear their sidewalks.

Anticipated reduction in crew injury and damage to property.

Park maintenance staff will be able to dedicate more time to wintertime forest management, natural resources and parks maintenance including more timely outdoor ice rink clearing.

Public feedback will be taken at the following opportunities:

Online survey on Let's Talk Bloomington now thru June 15

Public Works Open House, Saturday May 17, 2025, 9 am - 12 pm

Bloomington Farmers Market, Saturday June 7, 2026, 8 am - 1 pm

City Council will review engagement feedback on July 14.
Public Engagement Opportunities

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CLOSED: This discussion has concluded. Staff are reviewing responses.
Join Park Maintenance staff for one of two virtual sessions to learn about current sidewalk snow removal operations and discuss potential adjustments to sidewalk snow removal processes to better align with other City snow removal operations.

Tuesday, March 18, 2025 on Zoom (Click your preferred time to register.)

Noon

6:30 p.m.

The same content will be offered at each session.
Join Park Maintenance staff for one of two virtual sessions to learn about current sidewalk snow removal operations and discuss potential adjustments to sidewalk snow removal processes to better align with other City snow removal operations.

Tuesday, March 18, 2025 on Zoom (Click your preferred time to register.)

Noon

6:30 p.m.

The same content will be offered at each session.