Today, City Manager Sheryl Long, along with Mayor Aftab Pureval, announced technology enhancements that will revolutionize how the City responds to winter weather events.
All snowplows are now equipped with tablets to display digital plow routes and track drivers’ locations in real time. All City streets are included in a route, and drivers have clearly defined routes to complete. Additionally, the City has overhauled the Snowplow Tracker, a publicly available interactive map that now provides detailed, street-level service updates in real time.
“We have new technology in each truck and snowplow that will display plow routes and track drivers' locations in real time,” said City Manager Sheryl Long. “As they move through the City, drivers will use the tablet to update street statuses, whether it’s been pre-treated, salted, or plowed. Everything is now more informative, more real-time, and more transparent.”
The City has invested in new snowplows, purchasing 6 single axle snowplows expected to arrive in about a year and a half. This is part of a larger priority to modernize the City’s entire fleet across departments.
“Basic services are the core responsibility we have to residents. Folks deserve absolute confidence that their trash will be picked up, their communities are safe, and their streets are plowed,” said Mayor Pureval. “I’m grateful and proud that City leaders have responded to the snow challenges we've seen by leaning in with more investment and new technology to make sure we’re prepared for the worst.”
The Department of Public Services has been hosting training for snowplow drivers to ensure they are prepared ahead of the winter season when they will be utilizing these new resources for the first time. Fleet Services staff have completed full inspections and winter preparations for every truck in the fleet, which includes 106 total snow vehicles between snowplows and additional trucks.
"Building on lessons learned from last winter, we've upgraded our technology, installed 10 new weather stations across the city, and enhanced our liquid treatment materials,” said DPS Director Mark Riley. “These stations provide real-time data on snow depth, road temperature, and live visuals from each location. Additionally, all drivers have completed advanced training through a snowplow obstacle course that simulates challenges like parked cars and cul-de-sacs, ensuring they're fully prepared for the season ahead."
Click here to view the Snowplow Tracker. The information currently displayed has been created to show how the Snowplow Tracker now functions. It is not reflective of current conditions and the information will be reset on Friday, October 31. The Snowplow Tracker is only activated during winter weather events.