Lone Tree’s Snow Team Keeps Roads Safe in Winter Conditions
The City of Lone Tree has over 150 lane miles of public roads! When a Colorado snowstorm strikes, the City’s snow removal team springs into action to keep the streets clear and drivable.
Even before the first snowflakes, the snow team prepares for winter weather. They stay up-to-date on weather forecasts, prepare their equipment, organize snowplow drivers and, if needed, add liquid de-icing or granular products to main roadways to combat snow and ice accumulation.
Deciding When and Where
Not all roads can be plowed right away, so the City prioritizes some streets to ensure safe travel conditions as quickly as possible. During a storm, snowplows focus on keeping the major roads clear for emergency vehicles, especially along the main corridors by Sky Ridge Medical Center and Park Meadows Mall. Douglas County clears snow from major thoroughfares like Lincoln Avenue and County Line Road. The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) clears the highway on and off ramps in larger storms.
Once the storm has passed, Lone Tree snow management staff begin cleaning up sidewalks and side roads.
Field Inspector Eric Barnes has seen his fair share of snow removal and cleanup.
“I’m out on the road during and after snow storms with our snowplows,” says Barnes, who has been with the City for nine years. “I even take calls from the Lone Tree Police Department so we can respond to emergencies like a car accident.”
Providing Support Wherever We Can
Sometimes after storms, older Lone Tree residents call the snow team when they need help leaving their homes for medical reasons. Barnes is always happy to help.
“I’ve shoveled driveways. I’ve shoveled sidewalks, and we’ve gotten people out for their appointments for folks who really needed it,” he says. “That’s a very fulfilling part of the job for me, and I find a lot of gratitude in helping.”
The ability to respond quickly and clear Lone Tree roads is made possible thanks to Terracare Associates, who has been the City’s snow plowing partner since 2008.
While each snowstorm is different, and snow removal may change based on the nature of the storm, the City of Lone Tree snow team takes pride in doing an excellent job in the face of Colorado’s changing and often challenging weather conditions.
