Storm Response

The City of Eugene has increased its response readiness through the addition of two more snow plows. This brings the total to 14 plows. This increase will allow for more snow removal efforts on bike and pedestrian paths. 

Maintaining city streets during winter storm conditions is the responsibility of the Public Works Maintenance Division. The Public Works Ice/Snow Emergency Plan is designed to keep the major thoroughfares of the transportation systems operational and safe during ice and snow events. The Public Works Parks and Open Space Division is responsible for responding to tree hazards.   

Priority Routes

Not all city streets receive service during winter events. Ice and snow routes have been established and prioritized into three categories. Routes are grouped by geographical area. During a storm event, the main emphasis will be on Priority 1 and 2 Routes, which largely include arterial and a select group of collector streets. Police and fire requests, primary streets to hospitals, schools, and LTD snow routes are also among some of the top priorities in the Public Works Ice/Snow Emergency Plan:  

• Priority 1 Routes: Mainly arterial streets, bridges and major intersections
• Priority 2 Routes: Mainly collector streets
• Priority 3 Routes: Residential streets (will only be addressed during extended storms, providing the personnel and equipment are available and priorities 1 and 2 routes remain adequately clear)

If you are not on a Priority 1, 2 or 3 Route, it is likely your street won’t be plowed. Streets not identified as priorities may receive service based on storm type and resource availability, but only after priority routes are addressed. Please make plans ahead of time to be prepared and, when possible, check on vulnerable neighbors to see if assistance is needed.  

Am I on a priority route? View our Emergency Ice/Snow Routes map, or call 541-682-4800.

The Maintenance Director or designee may alter priorities during the course of an event to accommodate emergency services or when more severe problems or conditions are present in a specific area of the City.

Emergency Parking Ban

If the City of Eugene declares an ice/snow emergency, all vehicles must be removed immediately from designated snow emergency routes. The City’s ice/snow ordinance prohibits parking along streets designated as snow emergency routes while a snow/ice emergency is in effect. Emergency ban declaration information is shared via local media outlets, the City’s homepage and social media pages.

The ordinance gives the City the authority to tow vehicles parked or stranded along emergency routes. By banning parking, the City can ensure that emergency vehicles, buses, and other essential traffic can move safely around town, and that parked and stalled vehicles do not hamper snow removal operation. We apologize for any inconvenience. 

Am I parked on an emergency route? View our Emergency Ice/Snow Routes map, or call 541-682-4800.

What Community Members are Responsible For

Keeping walkways and streets safe and accessible during a storm involves the entire community. Property owners are responsible for maintaining their sidewalks and driveway aprons (where sidewalk crosses driveway) in good repair and safe condition, which includes clearing ice, snow, slippery leaves, and other debris, per City Code. Please check in and help neighbors when possible. 

As soon as possible, clear your sidewalks and driveway apron. Property owners should maintain a space so pedestrians have a safe path free of snow, ice, and other debris. Property owners are also required to advise people of any danger of falling ice or snow from their buildings. Please make arrangements to post an advisory sign or sandwich board and eliminate the hazard. 

During the plowing of priority routes, crews will create a snow berm in front of driveways. This is unavoidable because plowing requires moving snow to the shoulder of the street. Limited plowing resources don’t allow for the clearing of snow at the thousands of driveways our plows pass during snow removal. Plows may make multiple passes on your street before moving on. Property owners are responsible for clearing away the snow berm from driveways and entrances. 

Businesses hiring contractors to remove snow from lots should never dump snow on the street or in the public right-of-way. All snow needs to be placed on private property.