News Flash

Snow Removal Program

In order to maximize benefit to Portage residents, streets are prioritized according to how heavily the streets are traveled in the following manner:

Priority I: All major streets - examples include: Kilgore Road, Lovers Lane, Milham Avenue, Oakland Drive, Shaver Road, South Westnedge Avenue

Priority II: All primary “feeder” streets leading into various residential neighborhoods, including access streets to all schools.

Priority III: All interior neighborhood streets.

Priority IV: Clean up of cul-de-sacs and dead end streets.

When a major snow event is in progress, every effort is made to keep Priority I and Priority II streets clear. Usually, the snowplow operators can complete all Priority I and Priority II streets in 4 - 8 hours. Once the major roads are clear, the snow plow operators begin clearing all interior neighborhood streets and providing access to cul-de-sacs and dead end streets; this usually requires an additional 24 to 48 hours. De-icing materials are applied as needed throughout the duration of a snow event, with bridges, curves, hills, intersections, and major streets receiving priority attention.

As a major storm moves through the area, city crews will continue efforts to ensure streets are properly plowed and de-iced. Residents are reminded that Portage has 220 miles of city streets to plow and the plow trucks normally travel through heavy snow at speeds of only 15 to 25 miles per hour (mph). Major thoroughfares receive primary attention and are kept as clear as possible.

Learn more about the city snow removal program.  

PlowTraxx

PlowTraxx provides real-time monitoring of the locations of city snow plows and the plowed status of all city roads during a snow event.  PlowTraxx will be activated during major snow events. See real-time locations of active snow plows deployed during a snow event and the plowed status of city roads.

Winter Readiness Guidebook