City Says Plows Will be Ready When Snow Hits Missoula

Missoula, MT (KGVO-AM News) - It’s somewhat surreal that Christmas is barely a week away and Missoula has hardly a trace of snow on the ground.

But, fear not! When winter does arrive and you’re looking for the City of Missoula’s snowplow crews, Brian Hensel will have them ready to go.

In fact, I spoke with Hensel, Deputy Public Works Director for Streets on Monday, who like so many of us, was not anxious for the first big snowfall.

Yes, the Snow Will Come and Brian Hensel's Snowplow Crews Will be Ready

“It's kind of nice that winter hasn't quite hit yet,” began Hensel. “We've had a few chances where we were out de-icing some bridges and not enough snow to really do any actual plowing yet. But we've had a few times where some of the bridges got slick, and then up Miller Creek, we did have a plow go up there. He applied some sand as it was getting a little slick up there from an early morning snow. But so far, it's been pretty mild, and if it was up to me, I hope it stays this way all winter.”

When the snow does arrive, Hensel, as he does every year, patiently described the process of snow removal by the City of Missoula.

Hensel Explained the Priority Routes for Snow Removal in the City

“We’ll focus on main routes first, which we call Priority Ones, which include Russell, Brooks, Higgins, and Reserve,” he said. “Some of the main collectors going up in the hills, like Grant Creek, Garrett, 23^rd street and Hillview Way; those streets that have some steep grade to them. Those always get done first, or they get plowed, sanded or de iced.”

Hensel described the streets that make up Priority Two.

“Priority Twos, which are streets with lower traffic volumes that are also bus routes,” he said. “Then we will work on those after the (Priority) Ones are done. We also have a third category, which are what we call our local streets, which are the streets that have lower traffic volumes, but the ones are typically that would be in front of your house,  or a neighborhood street.”

Hensel Asks Homeowners NOT to Shovel Their Snow Into the Streets

For people who shovel their driveways and sidewalks, Hensel asked them NOT to push their snow into the plowed streets, thus creating extra work for the snowplows.

“Please don't throw your snow back out in the street,” he said. “Throw it in your grass or off to the side. That would be a tremendous help. Even our private contractors that are clearing parking lots for businesses, the same deal applies. Please do not push that snow out into the street. You're just making more work for the plows. One more point; we obviously can't get everywhere all the time. We don't have the resources to get every street plowed within 12 hours after a snow event. It's just not possible.”

Click here to see the snow removal routes and schedules, so you’ll be prepared when the snow really DOES arrive (and you know it will!)