Snow and Ice Control
The City of Bainbridge Island works to provide safe roadway access in an environmentally sound manner. This becomes particularly challenging during the winter months when roads become icy and/or the snow starts to fall. To help ensure the most efficient use of resources and best possible safety for our citizens, we have updated the
Snow and Ice Response Plan. Please become familiar with the plan so you are aware of the procedures City staff will take to keep roads safe during adverse winter conditions.
Please note the City’s plan does not include Highway 305 which is maintained by the Washington State Department of Transportation. (See above WSDOT link).
• The City clears snow and ice from public streets, public sidewalks and public parking lots.
• The City does not clear snow and ice from private roads, gravel roads, private sidewalks or private parking lots.
|
What can citizens do to help?
Driving in winter storms can be dangerous and should be avoided if at all possible. Avoid parking vehicles on the side of the street as this could restrict snow plow access. Stay back at least 100’ from snow plows while in operation. Snow plowed in front of driveways (windrows) and walks is a common downside of the snow removal operation; it is not done on purpose! It is the responsibility of the adjacent property owner to clear their own sidewalk, driveways and windrows. Citizens are advised to clear abutting sidewalks and driveway access (away from roadway) once the plows have passed. |
|
When are snow plows dispatched?
Plowing operations typically begin when snow depth reaches 1-inch on streets. Snow plows may begin plowing before 1-inch of snow accumulation to address icy conditions with sanding.
|
|
Which streets will be plowed first?
The City of Bainbridge Island street system includes approximately 140 road miles and is divided into snow control routes. Priority is given to arterial and collector streets, Police and Fire Department requirements, and School District and Kitsap Transit bus routes. Remaining public streets will be plowed as weather conditions, available equipment and manpower allow. Please be advised: The Snow and Ice Response Plan is subject to change as operational needs arise.
|
Priority 1 streets are plowed and sanded first. They include primary arterials, collectors, areas around schools and emergency service sites. Examples of Priority 1 streets include portions of Day Road, High School Road and Winslow Way.
Priority 2 streets include secondary streets that connect neighborhoods to primary arterials and collectors. Some residential streets with grades over 12% are included. Priority 2 streets are plowed and sanded after the Priority 1 streets are predominately clear.
Priority 3 streets include residential neighborhood streets and are plowed after Priority 1 and 2 roads are predominately clear.
To see what roads in your area are maintained by the City and their corresponding priority, view the
plow route map. Please note that only priority 1 and priority 2 streets are called out on the map. All other paved public streets are considered priority 3.
If you have questions about the snow and ice response plan, or the Public Works Department in general, please contact us by email or call us at (206) 842-1212.
