Winter Maintenance of Pedestrian Facilities in Delaware: A Guide for Local Governments

Abstract

Originally titled “Research of Management Plans for Sidewalk Snow Removal,” the title of this report was changed to Winter Maintenance of Pedestrian Facilities in Delaware: A Guide for Local Governments to reflect more comprehensive research endeavors on “best practices” for winter maintenance–management plans––particularly those that address pedestrian facilities, local government sidewalk snow-removal regulations, and innovations in snow removal. While not originally part of the scope of work, two major snowstorms in January 2011 provided the ideal opportunity to conduct field operations and photograph issues regarding winter maintenance of pedestrian facilities within incorporated Delaware jurisdictions. While these snowstorms were severe and not typical of winter weather conditions in the Mid-Atlantic region, the field observations not only provided an opportunity to document issues, but to incorporate photographs of “acceptable” and “unacceptable” winter-maintenance practices in a workshop hosted by the University of Delaware’s Institute for Public Administration (IPA) on April 6, 2011. The work on this project includes input and recommendations from a working group comprising transportation operation officials, transportation planners, transit officials, local government representatives, public works and parks and recreation directors, and ground service managers. Recommendations within Section 12 focus on amending municipal emergency-operation plans to address winter snowstorms; adopting winter–maintenance management plans; reviewing municipal procedures, ordinances, and better coordinating shared responsibilities; and considering innovative practices for tackling snow removal from pedestrian facilities.