Winter driving in Minnesota comes with its fair share of challenges, but Bloomington is on top of its game when it comes to keeping the streets safe and navigable. The city has a solid plan that kicks into gear following a snowfall, ensuring that snowplows are out as early as 3 a.m. to clear the way for the morning commute, as reported on the City of Bloomington's website. Residents pay a cost of $4.05 per month for these services, a fee applicable to an owner of a median-valued home.
In consideration of public opinion, it's clear residents appreciate the efforts; the 2023 National Community Survey indicated a heavy majority—81%, rated the city's snow removal services as excellent or good. Yet it's not just about plowing the streets. There's a broader consideration for how this impacts the environment. The use of chloride, an essential component in deicing, has been found in high levels in many creeks and lakes, including Nine Mile Creek, making them unhealthy or impaired. A snow emergency, which restricts parking on city streets for 48 hours or until plowed, can be declared under severe weather conditions, and this information is promptly shared with residents through various communication channels such as website alerts, social media, and email subscriptions available at blm.mn/esubscribe.
The city reminds its residents about road safety around snowplows, encouraging a safe distance of at least ten car lengths, among other precautions. There were also sage words of caution concerning black ice, a barely-visible-but-dangerous winter phenomenon. To counter it, they offered practical advice such as keeping a safe speed for the conditions and avoiding applying brakes on ice. Furthermore, Bloomington citizens are advised to clear driveways only after the street has been plowed entirely, to avoid having to shovel multiple times due to snow from the road being pushed into driveways.
Moreover, there are considerations for the neighborhood's young residents. The city urges parents to ensure that kids keep sleds, and other toys out of the street, and to never allow them to build tunnels or snow forts near the roadway. These structures can be particularly dangerous as they might collapse under the weight of the snow being plowed, which could result in severe injury. In a society where the community's overall safety, and well-being is of paramount importance, such reminders serve as a critical means of ensuring that winter's beauty isn't marred by preventable tragedies. For specifics on snow emergency declarations, residents can visit the city’s website which displays alerts conspicuously.
