Article Contributed on: 12/20/2006 1:40:41 PM
With forecasts calling for one to two feet of snow and high winds, city of Boulder snow removal crews have been on the streets since 6:30 a.m. today. Crews also pre-treated problematic streets with magnesium chloride yesterday to mitigate ice build-up. Problematic areas typically include 17th Street, 9th Street hill and certain sections of Broadway, among others.
"Exercise all caution while driving, drive slowly and leave plenty of room between your vehicle and other vehicles and allow for longer stopping distances," said Felix Gallo, transportation and utilities maintenance coordinator for the city. "Please leave plenty of room between your vehicle and snow removal equipment on the roads. Operators can work more efficiently when they do not have to worry about vehicles being too close."
The city of Boulder reminds the public that snow must be removed from all public sidewalks by noon the day after a snowfall. A city ordinance requires owners, managers or residents to remove snow and ice from the public sidewalks abutting their property to ensure safe pedestrian access.
The maximum fine is $1,000 and 90 days in jail. The fine for a first-time offense for a tenant is $100. For more information about the city's sidewalk snow removal requirements or to report sidewalk snow removal violations, call the Environmental Enforcement Office at (303) 441-3239.
When shoveling snow off walks or driveways, please remember to avoid putting snow in the streets in order to keep bike lanes clear and safe for bicyclists.
ICEBUSTERS is a city-sponsored program sparked by the above ordinance to keep sidewalks safe. The program pairs senior and disabled residents who need assistance with a volunteer for the snow season, promoting good neighbors through kindness and good will. To volunteer or for service in the ICEBUSTERS program, call Housing and Human Services at (303) 441-3157.
For more winter tips and snow removal information, go online to
http://bouldercolorado.gov/ and choose "Winter Tips" in the pull-down menu.