On a day flirting with the 70s, we know snow is the last thing on anyone’s mind. Winter isn't over yet though, so we wanted to share this update.
We’ve updated our snow-clearing information to include an interactive map — because sometimes a picture really is worth a thousand words.
Next time winter hits and you’re looking out the window wondering “has my road been plowed yet?”, we hope this tool helps you see the plan our team is executing.
What this plan looks like in real numbers
Willard has about 35 miles of roadway.
Of that, just under 14 miles are Tier 1 — the steepest roads and highest-traffic corridors that must remain passable for emergency response and general mobility.
Clearing snow is not a quick pass with a truck. It is a sustained operation that typically uses around $3,000 worth of salt per event and requires our entire Streets crew working around the clock to get ahead of the storm.
For example, during the most recent winter storm, five Public Works employees logged 81 combined hours over one weekend to keep roads moving and safe. Most of that effort happens behind the scenes, beyond what people see when a plow makes a single pass down their street.
How our system works (the short version):
• Tier 1 (highest priority) — major corridors with the highest traffic volumes, key emergency routes, and streets that present significant safety concerns, especially those with steep inclines or challenging terrain. These roads are cleared first and are revisited repeatedly throughout the storm to ensure conditions remain as safe and passable as possible.
• Tier 2 (secondary routes) — addressed next, while Tier 1 continues to be monitored and maintained.
• Tier 3 (everything else) — cleared after Tier 1 and Tier 2 are passable, often by a subsequent shift.
For more information, see the document here: https://5il.co/366z6
Practical reminders for residents
• Plowing can push snow across driveways — frustrating, but unavoidable when clearing the roadway for everyone’s safety.
• Please avoid parking on the street during snow events - plows can work much more efficiently and safely and your vehicle doesn't become an obstacle for another driver to hope they can avoid in slippery conditions.
• We cannot clear all 35 miles at once, but crews work long shifts to keep the system moving.
A note on plans vs. conditions
These routes represent our plan — but in winter weather, plans must remain flexible. Actual road conditions, storm intensity, timing, and equipment realities can require crews to adjust in real time.
What does not change is our commitment: Public Works works diligently to address all needs and to do the greatest good for the greatest number of people first.
As our Public Works Director often says, “We will touch every road in Willard.” Even with limited downforce on our plow trucks, that means crews are still making passes on Tier 2 and Tier 3 streets to treat, scrape, and monitor them — even if packed snow from traffic can make it look like a road hasn’t been visited.
In short: every street matters, and our team works hard to reach them all as quickly and safely as conditions allow.
You can view the map here: https://diamondMaps.com/map.ashx?key=27867260202142441052
If you have questions, contact Public Works.
Thank you for your patience as we work to keep Willard safe and moving during winter weather.