Snow and ice control

This report shows the amount of snow that fell in Minnesota during the winter of 1993-1994 and how much sand and salt was used during snow removal.

This report shows the amount of snow that fell in Minnesota during the winter of 1991-1992 and how much sand and salt was used during snow removal.

This report shows the amount of snow that fell in Minnesota in April of 1991 and how much sand and salt was used during snow removal.

This report shows the amount of snow that fell in Minnesota in March of 1991 and how much sand and salt was used during snow removal.

This report shows the amount of snow that fell in Minnesota in February of 1991, and how much sand and salt was used during snow removal.

This report shows the amount of snow that fell in Minnesota in January 1991 and how much sand and salt was used during snow removal.

This report shows the amount of snow that fell in Minnesota in April of 1990, and how much sand and salt was used during snow removal.

This report shows the amount of snow that fell in Minnesota in February of 1990, and how much sand and salt was used during snow removal.

The primary purpose of the Metro Division's snow and ice removal plan is to schedule and allocate the personnel, equipment and materials needed to ensure safe and satisfactory traffic movement. To accomplish this within budget constraints, we have developed efficient and effective methods to control the snow and ice accumulation on our highways. The plan also establishes control guidelines for Supervisors and a reporting/evaluation format. The objectives of the Division are to perform snow and ice removal operations in such a manner that the traveling public's welfare is safeguarded. These objectives are met when motorists are able to maintain control of their vehicles and prevent accidents, and when damage to the public investment, such as road structures, bridges, signs, signals, etc. is minimized.

The removal of snow and ice from our roadways is the most critical task performed by the Minnesota Department of Transportation maintenance force. In the past, the traveling public tolerated delays in snow and ice removal, but now, "bare pavement" is demanded and expected, even during storm periods. Keeping pace with this ever increasing demand for summertime driving in winter conditions is a similar increasing demand for restraints in the use of chemicals. These demands for restraints have surfaced in discussions with other agencies and in directives from the Legislature. This year a water leakage into our major supplier's salt mine in Louisiana has created a shortage of salt in this area. The supplier has advised Mn/DOT that they may be only able to supply us with 85 percent of estimated usage. To ensure effective, efficient snow and ice removal and protect the ecology of the area, a well arranged plan must be developed to provide such service. This plan must provide for more efficient use of personnel, equipment, and chemicals. Diligent monitoring by supervisory personnel of the use of these resources will be required to accomplish that goal.