Snow / Ice Removal

Snow Plows in MSD Building

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. The City does not clear snow and ice from alleys or 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.