Snow & Ice Removal Program

About the Program

It is the goal of the Department of Public Works to complete the plowing of all city streets including courts and cul-de-sacs, during a declared snow emergency, within 30 to 36 hours after snowfall ceases. Priority No. 2 and 3 streets, as well as courts and cul-de-sacs, shall receive equal priority during a declared snow emergency.

The City of Sterling Heights Department of Public Works readies its personnel, equipment and materials for snow removal during inclement weather. The preparation permits a smooth transition and efficient implementation of snow removal operations, when necessary.

Important Changes to Winter Street Salting on Local Roads (Dec. 2025)

This winter, Sterling Heights will implement updates to its street salting practices to preserve the longevity of newly finished concrete roads.

Key Changes:

  • No Salting of Newly Paved Concrete Streets. Roads completed during the 2022-2025 Local Road Program will not be salted this winter season. This is to prevent scaling damage that can occur in the first 1-2 years after pouring new concrete.
  • Recent environmental regulations have led to changes in concrete materials, making the surface more susceptible to scaling if salted too soon. By skipping salting on these roads, we aim to extend their lifespan and reduce long-term maintenance costs.

What You Need to Know:

  • Scaling often occurs in the early life of concrete and does not indicate road failure. Avoiding salt during this period allows the surface to stabilize naturally.
  • Click here to view a detailed map and list of roads where this change applies. Residents on the effected streets have also been contacted directly.
  • While newly paved roads won’t be salted, they will still be plowed to maintain safe travel conditions.
  • In severe winter storms, additional measures may be deployed to ensure safety. Updates will be provided as needed.

Snow Removal Action Plan

On the basis of forecasts by the U.S. Weather Service, local weather reports, or actual falling snow, sleet or freezing rain, the following actions are taken by DPW officials:

  1. DPW officials study weather reports and identify potential types of precipitation including sleet or snow.
  2. Staff determines what equipment and personnel are needed.
  3. Management dispatches crews at strategic times in order to minimize hazardous road conditions.

Removal Process

View Snow Plowing map.

Upon completion of snow removal from major roadways, staff will start plowing neighborhood roads. The Department of Public Works (DPW) will begin in Priority 1 areas shown in red on the map. When Priority 1 areas are complete, they will begin snow removal in the green areas of the same route. 

Snow Removal from Sidewalks

The City has an ordinance requiring the removal of snow and ice from sidewalks within 24 hours following the conclusion of a snowfall. 

Declared Snow Emergencies

Snow emergencies are declared only when heavy snowfalls impede vehicular traffic on subdivision streets. During a declared snow emergency, all vehicles are to be parked off City streets. Clear streets allow plows to proceed unimpaired. Those vehicles left parked on City streets, in violation of the traffic control order, may be ticketed and towed at the owner’s expense.

All necessary personnel, from each Public Works Division work extended shifts in order to effectively remove all snow.

Get Snow Emergency Notifications