Spokane Valley "ready to go" for snow

SPOKANE VALLEY -- Spokane Valley Mayor Richard Munson says the city is "ready to go" on their newly launched snow removal program.

Immediately after receiving notice that Spokane County would no longer provide snow removal services in Spokane Valley, the Council and City staff set to work to examine alternatives for ensuring snow removal services.

Despite the short notice to set up such a large operation, Munson says opportunities came along at just the right time to accelerate the process.

The city purchased six plow/sander trucks from a Washington Department of Transportation surplus.  Two of the trucks have been converted to provide liquid deicer.  Maintenance crews who worked on preparing the vehicles for the snow season noted that the used equipment is in very good shape and has been well-maintained.

Snow plowing and de-icing in Spokane Valley continues to be accomplished on a prioritized basis:

Priority 1 - Primary Arterials

Priority 2 - Secondary Arterials

Priority 3 - Hillside Residential

Priority 4 - Valley Floor Residential

Priorities 1, 2, and 3 include:

- Limited liquid de-icing begins prior to snow events on bridges and primary intersections

- Solid granular de-icing on streets and intersections, hills and corners during snow events as snow limits its effectiveness

- Limited snow plowing operations for snow events ranging from 1 to 3 inches

- Plowing performed as conditions warrant, focusing on problem areas and hillsides

- Coordination occurs with the Spokane Valley Police Department on accident and problem areas

- Full plowing activities for snow events exceeding a depth of 4 inches

Priority 4:

- De-icing and sanding will be conducted on the Valley floor at controlled intersections and selected problem areas

- Residential streets on the Valley floor will be considered for plowing when functional traffic flow is substantially inhibited