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1. Why do you wait to plow snow off the streets?

After applying road de-icing chemicals, we wait for the chemicals to react with the snow to create "brine." This reaction time depends on an number of variables (i.e. traffic flow, temperature, etc.). The "brine" keeps the snow from sticking to the street and helps in the snow removal operations. It is for this reason that we request residents with plows not "help" us by plowing a street that has not been plowed, as the chemicals may not have had time to react and by doing so you may hinder the snow removal operations.

2. Who begins the snow removal operations?

During normal Public Works Department business hours, 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., the Superintendent of Public Works, or his designee, decides when conditions warrant the commencement of snow removal operations. After normal Public Works Department business hours, the Middleton Police Department decide when the streets become safe.

3. Who determines school closure?

The Superintendent of Schools confers with the Public Works Department on the road conditions of the bus routes. The cancellation of school is the decided by the Superintendent of Schools. Local news channels and the Public Access Channel 22, both carry school cancellation.

4. Why does my street always seem like it's the last one plowed?

Traffic volume is the determining factor in snow removal operations. You may feel that your street is the last to be cleared of snow, but out main objective is to make all drivers safe during snowstorms. Please be patient. All of the streets will be cleared of snow in order of traffic volume.