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Snow Removal
The snow removal program is designed to keep city streets clear and safe in the most efficient manner possible. Questions about snow removal operations may be directed to the Streets Maintenance Division by online form or by phone at (269) 329-4444.
Snow Removal Plan
The City of Portage takes snow removal seriously and operates a comprehensive program to keep roads safe and passable throughout the winter. During major snowstorms, snowplow crews work around the clock to plow and salt more than 224 miles of city streets.
To ensure efficiency and public safety, streets are prioritized based on traffic volume and use:
- Priority 1 Streets: Major roads such as South Westnedge Avenue and Oakland Drive, are given top priority.
- Priority 2 Streets: Primary feeder roads leading to residential neighborhoods and schools are plowed next.
- Priority 3 Streets: Interior residential streets follow once higher-priority routes are cleared.
This tiered approach ensures that critical roadways remain open and that all areas of the city are serviced as quickly and safely as possible.
What Can You Do to Help?
Citizens are asked to adhere to certain city ordinances and state laws to ensure that snowplowing operations are efficient and effective. Here are some guidelines to follow:
- The Portage Code of Ordinances prohibits personal equipment like basketball stands in the city right-of-way. Please remove these items from city streets and curb lawns.
- Vehicle parking on the streets between 2 AM - 6 AM from December 1 to March 15 is prohibited by the Portage Code of Ordinances.
- Michigan law prohibits residents and private snowplow operators from dumping snow from private driveways, parking lots, and sidewalks onto public roadways.
- When it’s trash and recycling collection day, please keep your containers on the curb, not in the roadways.
- Businesses, renters, and property owners – clear snow and ice from your sidewalk so that everyone can get around safely and comfortably. Sidewalks must be cleared within 24 hours of snowfall and 12 hours of ice forming to ensure safe paths for everyone.
- Don’t forget, as snow accumulates through the winter and snow banks grow taller, please keep fire hydrants clear of snow and ice.
- Keep bus stops adjacent to your property clear of snow and ice to help school children and public transit users safely enter and exit buses.
Did We Damage Your Mailbox?
Snowplow operators in the city of Portage make every effort to minimize damage to mailboxes during their operations. However, due to the weight of the snow coming off the plow blade, it is often beyond the operator’s control to prevent damage to mailboxes.
If your mailbox is damaged because of snowplow operations, the City of Portage offers repair or replacement services. If it is not possible to repair the damaged mailbox, it will be replaced with a standard mailbox that meets U.S. Postal Service specifications. The standard replacement mailbox is either white or black and measures 6.5” x 19” x 8.5” with a hinged door and flag. Damaged posts will be replaced with a standard 4” x 4” wooden post that meets U.S. Postal Service specifications. If you have a specialty mailbox or post and would like it to be replaced, you can choose to be reimbursed $44 by the city for the cost of the standard mailbox/post offered as part of the City of Portage Mailbox Repair Program. However, you will be responsible for any cost difference and the installation of the specialty equipment.
Report a damaged mailbox by using our Report It! tool. Call the Department of Public Works at (269) 329-4444 with questions about the Damaged Mailbox Repair Program or to report a damaged mailbox.
Snowplow drivers can usually complete all Priority 1 and 2 streets within 4 to 8 hours, and once these major roads are clear, they move on to Priority 3 and 4 streets, which typically require 24 to 48 hours to clear. De-icing materials are applied as needed throughout a storm, with major streets, bridges, intersections, hills, and curves receiving priority attention.
Pretreating the road surfaces before a winter event can make the mechanical clearing of snow much easier. In certain instances, the city will apply a liquid calcium chloride solution before a predicted snow event to reduce the bonding of ice and snow to the roadway. However, not every event is suitable for pretreatment. The Department of Public Works considers various factors such as air and pavement temperatures, humidity levels, and dew point temperatures to decide if pretreating roads will be helpful. The forecasted rate of precipitation is also taken into account.
Local television and radio stations are the best sources of weather-related alerts and information. Information as to snowplowing progress will be updated on this page as appropriate.