Snow Removal

We all enjoy residing in beautiful Cache Valley, and snow is simply a reality of living here. The goal of the Public Works Division is to quickly and efficiently provide safe and clear roadways as soon as possible after a snow storm. Public Works plows over 116 lane miles during each storm. This page provides valuable information about our snow removal program.

Priorities
All the city streets have been categorized according to priority. Priority is based upon the volume of traffic and the number of homes and businesses serviced by that road. The highest priority is given to arterial roads, which include routes to schools, hills, and main roads going to residential areas. Collector roads are the next priority and are mainly residential, and local roads, including cul-de-sacs and parking lots, are the next priority. Please keep in mind that the duration and intensity of a storm are big factors. During major storms only the highest priority roads will be maintained until the storm subsides and crews are able to move onto secondary roads. To view the route map see link at the bottom of this page. 

Roads that we do not maintain:
We do not plow private roads, County roads or roadways that are owned by the State of Utah. 
State owned roads maintained by UDOT include:
Main Street
100 N from Main Street to city boundary

To contact UDOT call:
(435) 752-5377

To contact the Cache County Road Department call:
(435) 755-1560

Cul-de-sacs
There are over 50 cul-de-sacs in Smithfield and more are added every year. Please understand that the low amount of traffic in cul-de-sacs means that they are lower priority. Depending on the intensity and duration of the storm, we start on cul-de-sacs once the arterial roads are cleared and we've moved onto collector roads. Cul-de-sacs have limited space so they are plowed with our smaller equipment, such as backhoes and pickup trucks. Limited space also means that if there are cars parked on the street, the cul-de-sac might not be plowed because our equipment cannot maneuver around the cars. Also, there is limited space to pile snow, so it will end up on everyone's park strip. Some will get more than others.

Be aware of our equipment
A loaded snow plow weighs as much as 10 small cars. They need more room to stop, especially during storms. Even if you have the right of way, the plow might not be able to stop if you pull out in front of them. Please wait a few more seconds and let the plow go by first before pulling out (you'll have a nice plowed surface to drive on, too). The plows spread salt out the back, so be sure to allow at least 50 feet between you and the plow so that your vehicle is not damaged by flying material, nor does it impede the application of the salt. Also, do not follow a plow uphill because they can slide back down the hill. Wait until you see it reach the top, then proceed. Do not allow children to play near the street while plows are out. Do not build snow forts near the street because a snow plow can cause the fort to collapse.

Vehicles and garbage cans in the road
Cars and garbage cans are the #1 obstacle for snow plow operators. It is against Smithfield City code 10.08.100 to park a vehicles on any street or city owned parking lot between the hours of 1:00 a.m. and 6:00 a.m. from November 15 to March 15. Please note that it is the local resident’s responsibility to inform out of town guests about parking regulations. Also, please do not put your garbage and recycling cans out until the morning of your collection day, and remove them from the street that evening. Keeping the road clear of vehicles and garbage cans will help our operators clear the entire roadway, which is crucial in preventing snow and ice buildup. Please review our winter parking ordinance here.

Sidewalks
As a courtesy to your neighbors and others, please keep the sidewalk in front of your home or business free of snow and ice. Smithfield requires all owners and occupants of the City to maintain public sidewalks and bus stops adjacent to their property in a safe condition for travel, requiring prompt removal of snow, ice, sleet and other obstructions as necessary.
Shovel the public sidewalk on all sides of your property, the full width of the sidewalk down to the bare pavement.
If you have a corner property, then clear curb cuts at the corners (radius corners) and crosswalks to the street gutter.
Pile snow into your yard or park strip. It is against Smithfield City ordinance to shovel snow into streets.
Are there neighbors on your street who are elderly, disabled, or may have a hard time shoveling for any reason? Work with your neighbors to ensure your entire block is safe and accessible.
Arrange for someone to shovel while you are on vacation.

Do not throw snow back into the road
It is against Smithfield City code 12.12.080 to throw or push snow into the street with a snowblower, 4wheeler, shovel, or any other means. This creates dangerous bumps in the road that can turn into ice, causing accidents and property damage for citizens and snow plow operators. It is also against the law to throw things at snow plows.

Note to contractors
Contractors pushing parking lots for apartment buildings, schools, churches, businesses, etc., need to be aware that the snow from that area must stay on that property. Do not push the snow out into the road or onto someone else’s property.

The bottom line
The bottom line is that we do the best job we can to provide clear and safe driving conditions for citizens. Every storm is different, but our goal for each one is to provide timely and effective service. With your cooperation, we can make this winter's snow removal a success.