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OXMS Winter Weather Information
CITY OF OXFORD, MISSISSIPPI SNOW AND ICE REMOVAL PLAN
CITY OF OXFORD, MISSISSIPPI SNOW AND ICE REMOVAL PLAN
Due to the generally short duration of snow and ice accumulations in north Mississippi, the City of Oxford has a limited number of single-use snow removal vehicles and equipment. For some events, we procure rented equipment and materials so that we are aptly prepared.
During a winter storm event, the City of Oxford will post regular snow & ice control updates on the City’s Facebook and Twitter feeds as well as here on OXMS.NET.
Citizens can also subscribe for Nixle to receive text or email notifications of Oxford facility closures or delays.
PRIORITIZING STREETS TO BE CLEARED
Oxford’s first priority are principal arterials, which includes clearing access to Baptist Memorial Hospital - North Mississippi Emergency Room, fire stations, Oxford School District Public Schools, and Lafayette County School District Public School. Principal arterials include sections of University Avenue, Jackson Avenue, and North and South Lamar Boulevard.
Second priority roads are selected minor arterials.
Third priority are selected collector streets. These are busy streets that “collect” traffic from neighborhoods and provide access to principal and minor arterials.
City crews do not have the resources to clear residential streets or driveways blocked by plowed snow.
HOW STREETS ARE PRIORITIZED
City-maintained roads are designated primary and secondary based on traffic counts, vehicle types, designated speed limits, and the functional class of the road. Public gravel roads are not plowed or chemically treated with anti-icer . Private roads are not maintained by City road crews. Residents who live on a private road are advised to work with their neighbors to develop a snow and ice control plan.
ACTION PLAN
Depending on severity, when a typical snow or ice event occurs, Priority 1 routes are handled within the first 36 hours. Priority 2 routes are handled within the 36-72 -hour time frame. If another event occurs during the first 72 hours, crews return to the Priority 1 routes schedule. The City of Oxford Street Department, with support from Buildings and Grounds, City Shop, OPD, OFD, and Emergency Management, is responsible for providing snow and ice control for City roads. The Street Department falls under the Engineering Department/Development Services.
Check the street map above for priority streets. Lines indicated in blue are Priority 1 roadways. Red lines are Priority 2. Black lines indicate state roadways which are under the jurisdiction of the Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT). MDOT establishes similar priorities for their snow and ice control operations. More information about their procedures can be found at the following link: https://mdot.ms.gov/portal/winter_weather
Bike lanes and shoulders are used for snow storage and are not included in the priorities listed.
The Street Department can plow more quickly when there are fewer obstacles to navigate. Help us serve you faster by keeping the ranked roads clear of cars.
Vehicles stalled or disabled on the normally traveled portion of any public roadway may be removed to facilitate snow removal and traffic flow. Additionally, vehicles parked along snow emergency routes may be removed if the Mayor declares a snow emergency. Car owners can retrieve their cars by calling OPD at 662-232-2400.
PRE-EVENT PREPARATIONS
Chemical Anti-Icing:
Chemical deicers lower the freezing point of water, allowing lower temperature before ice forms on roads. Chemical application does not guarantee ice-free roadways but can definitely keep roads safer. The initial application is put on hills, curves, bridges and major arterials and lifeline routes (primary roads).
The City uses a chloride (salt) brine diluted with water to 23.3% sodium chloride. Sodium chloride is the safest and most cost-effective anti-icing product available.
Snow and Ice Control Videos and Tips
Click on the button below to directed to videos sharing snow & ice control tips and best practices.
FAQs
- Why do you put snow in my driveway?
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This is not done intentionally. Snow pushed into driveways is an unfortunate result of plowing a street. We know that it is frustrating to have to shovel out the end of your driveway a second time, but it is unavoidable. To avoid extra shovel work, try to shovel after the snow plow has driven by, and shovel the snow to the right side of your driveway as you face the road.
- Why did you push the snow into my driveway and not those across the street?
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Most residential streets that are plowed receive one center pass. Each pass pushes the snow to the driver’s right. That is why one side gets the pushed off snow and the other doesn’t. Which side gets the pushed off snow is determined by where the driver started.
- Where do I put my refuse carts when snow is piled at the edge of the street?
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City of Oxford and City of Oxford Environmental Services will share service updates via our social media and our website. Once service is resumed, carts should be placed in your driveway opening or an area cleared of snow between the sidewalk and street.
- We only have on-street parking in our neighborhood. Are we allowed to park on the street in a weather event?
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Sometimes there are no other options for residents for parking other than on a residential street. The more cars parked off the street, the faster and more efficient the snow plows can be. If you have a driveway, please use it. Otherwise, we will make every effort to navigate around cars parked on a street. However, it is inevitable that your car may be blocked in by the plowed snow.
- What are the requirements for snow removal from sidewalks?
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Residents and businesses are responsible for clearing the sidewalks adjacent to their property.
The City has a plan for clearing city-managed sidewalks. Prioritization of sidewalks for snow and ice removal is based on volume of pedestrian traffic with consideration for access to public transportation, emergency services, and schools.
- Why do the snowplows move the snow and block my driveway?
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During large storm events, it is inevitable that driveways will be blocked during plowing operations. We apologize for this inconvenience.