Street De-Icing
When winter weather hits, the City's Public Works crew treat the roads with a salt brine made in house to maintain safety in icy or snowy weather. Sand may also be mixed with the salt, depending on the road conditions.
If the roads are wet or a storm is coming, the City crew will spray magnesium chloride, a de-icing agent on all main arterials, overpasses, hills, and roundabouts. Magnesium chloride is most effective when applied to dry roads. It is effective as a de-icing agent between the temperatures of 40 degrees Fahrenheit and -15 degrees Fahrenheit. Learn more about magnesium chloride.
Residents can expect to see some damp streaks in a striping pattern on the roads where the de-icing agent is laid down.
When the Public Works crew is applying de-icing treatments, City vehicles may need to drive below the speed limit. The City asks drivers for their patience and to provide adequate distance from the truck to ensure that their cars do not get sprayed with de-icing agent.
Snow Removal
During heavy storms, the City crew concentrates on clearing the main arterials first. Washington Street, Sequim Avenue, 5th Avenue, 3rd Avenue, overpasses and school routes (when schools are in session) are the top priorities.
There are 60 miles of City-owned roads and alleyways in the City, in addition to parking lots and sidewalks. The City does not clear most of the 19 miles of private streets and roadways within the city limits. The City asks the community to help by clearing snow from the sidewalks that adjoin their homes and businesses.
See the City's snow clearance (PDF) route.
