STEAMBOAT SPRINGS, COLORADO-December 20, 2020-Where snow goes really does matter in downtown Steamboat Springs and can impact smooth operations for commercial businesses, public transportation and generally getting around the community.
“Due to the pandemic, we’ve all had to change how we traverse the city,” said Transit Manager Jonathan Flint. “I understand that it can be difficult, but we have to look at things differently and can’t rely on how it may have been done in the past.”
Steamboat Springs Transit is running at reduced capacities under current public health orders and required to use the rear door for all loading and unloading at bus stops. While this may seem like a small change, it effects the flow through the entire system and becomes even more evident during the recent snowstorms.
The city hires a contractor to clear the bus stops after every storm. Following city and CDOT plows, snow is removed around the shelter as well along the 35-foot stretch of the yellow curb pull out. With only rear door access, the entire length of this area is necessary for safe access and should not be used as for snow storage. When snow obstructs this area, it can lead to unsafe access for passengers or require the bus to stop in the traffic lane for loading and unloading.
In addition, private contractors are prohibited from dumping or storing snow on city streets, such as parking spots, around bus shelters, or in the city right-of-way. What can occur downtown is snow from sidewalks is cleared into these locations taking away important ADA access for individuals.
“It’s like an aspen grove, everything is linked together - bus stops, ADA parking and sidewalks – when it comes to snow in our downtown system,” commented Streets Superintendent David Van Winkle. “As additional snow piles up, it’s easy to want to place snow in these locations, but the city is asking that not occur and for your help since we still have many months of snow ahead.”
The forecast calls for several chances of snow through the Christmas holiday weekend. For those new to the area, city plows clear snow from streets, alleys and parking lots during a storm. When the storm stops, snow storage piles are removed using loaders and a massive blower and transported to the snow storage site.
In order to expedite snow removal, winter parking is prohibited on city streets and shoulders from November 1 through April 30. No overnight parking is permitted on city streets. Vehicles left on city streets within the restricted hours may be ticketed and/or towed.
-WeServeTheCity-
Contact
Jonathan Flint, Transit Manager, 970.879.3717 or email
David Van Winkle, Streets Superintendent, 970.879.1807 or email