The Public Works Department is committed to ensuring the safety and accessibility of our community during snowfall.  To achieve this, we have established the following snow removal guidelines to clear streets after snowfall has stopped:

• Snowfall less than two inches - 12 hours
• Snowfall between 2-6 inches - 24 hours
• Snowfall greater than six inches - 48 hours

As a general rule, only primary streets, secondary streets, hills and intersections receive salt.

Primary & Secondary Clearing Goals

Major emphasis is placed on primary streets and hills with secondary priority given to school areas. Residential streets are cleared when the primary and secondary streets are completed. 

Alley plowing is initiated promptly following the clearance of all streets.  The commencement of alley plowing occurs within normal business hours, specifically from 7 AM to 3 PM, with each alley receiving one pass.  Salt is generally not applied in alleys with special consideration for hills.

The City does not clear snow and ice from residential sidewalks.

Parking on Emergency Snow Routes

If two or more inches of snow has fallen, parking is not allowed on marked snow routes until the snow is removed (Section 9-41 of the Rock Island Code of Ordinances). Vehicles parked in violation of this ordinance will receive a $35 parking ticket. Vehicles that remain in violation of this ordinance will be towed.