Snowplowing

A recently plowed street in the winter.

Listed below are some of the most frequently asked questions (and answers) received by the Public Works Department regarding snow removal in the city.

If you have a question that is not answered here, call 952. 988.8400.

At what point and at what time do snowplowing operations begin?
When two or more inches of snow have accumulated, snow and ice control operations move from sanding and salting to plowing the snow to the sides of the street. In most cases, plowing operations begin between 2 a.m. and 4 a.m.; the exact time depends on the predicted start of the snow storm, intensity of snowfall, and expected end to the snowfall.
Does the city plow all roadways located in Minnetonka?
No—the city is responsible for most roadways, but does not plow county or state highways or private roads.
Why do some streets get plowed sooner than others?
The city is divided into 24 individual areas, each of which has “arterial” or “collector” streets. These streets are plowed first. Residential streets and cul-de-sacs are usually last to get plowed, since it is anticipated that by plowing collectors and arterials first, motorists will only have two or three blocks to travel before they arrive at a plowed street.
What is the priority for plowing the city’s sidewalks, trails and ice rinks?
Although all are important, the first priority is removal of snow from the city’s street system. As a result, a majority of the city’s resources are committed to this activity. At the same time, however, minimum resources are directed to the removal of snow from sidewalks, trails and ice rinks. Since the amount of personnel and equipment working on these is much smaller, it takes more time to complete the snow removal operation.
Why do folks living on cul-de-sacs seem to get more snow than others?
Plowing snow in cul-de-sacs is difficult because of the way the driveways are situated. As much as possible, plow drivers try to plow snow away from driveways and deposit it in open areas.
Why does the snowplow come back and fill in my driveway after I’ve already cleaned it?
During heavy snowfalls, snowplowing is accomplished in three separate operations.
Shoveling a big pile of snow out of a driveway.
  • The first pass is intended to provide an initial access path.
  • Full-width widening can occur several hours later after all streets have received a first pass.
  • Final cleanup occurs the next day and provides for intersection cleanup, sanding, and plowing where “vehicles” were parked.
  • Homeowners are responsible for clearing out their own driveways.
Does the city plow out fire hydrants?
No—with over 3,500 hydrants in the city, it’s impossible to remove snow from around all of them. Residents are asked to “adopt“ a hydrant and clear snow away from it to keep it accessible in case of fire.
Does the city plow out bus benches?
No. Bus benches are owned by a private company, U.S Bench, not by the city or by Metro Transit. It is the responsibility of U.S. Bench to remove snow from its benches in Minnetonka. Questions and concerns about bus benches may be directed to U.S. Bench at 612.721.2525 or at usbench.com.
Does the city plow around recycling containers and garbage cans?
Unfortunately, plow drivers can’t plow around or set up containers that are knocked over. Residents are requested to set out recycling containers and garbage cans behind the street curb line.
Does the city repair mailboxes that are damaged?
Mailboxes will be repaired which are physically hit by city snowplows. Mailboxes that are damaged from the force of snow coming off the plow are not repaired.
Will the city repair damage that occurs near the edge of the street?
The city will repair sod damage that results from city snowplows, but does not repair sprinklers, fences or any private improvements installed in the city right-of-way. Mailboxes that are physically hit by city snowplows will be repaired, but mailboxes damaged by the force of the snow coming off the plow will not be repaired. Residents can report damage to Minnetonka Public Works at 952.988.8400 or contact Minnetonka Mike. Sod repairs usually are made in May and June.
Can I push my excess snow into or across the street?
No—city ordinances require that snow be placed on the right-of-way adjacent to the closest property.
How do drivers know where the edge of the street is when there’s a heavy snowfall?
The city provides curb markers to residents who want them. Stop by city hall or the Public Works Department, 11522 Minnetonka Blvd.
If your boulevard is damaged from snow plowing the city may repair it.

The Street Division does boulevard restoration of plow damage to sod and curbing. This restoration is generally completed during the month of May. Damage to mailboxes, sprinklers and other private improvements within the right-of-way will be assessed by the Street Manager to determine if the city is responsible for restoration. After snow removal operations are complete, the Street Manager will respond to calls received for damages to private improvements. If you have questions or concerns call the Public Works Department at 952.988.8400 or contact Minnetonka Mike.