The City of West Fargo Public Works Department has been working 24 hours a day since Tuesday to prepare, maintain and clear roads after the most recent storm.

Thursday’s storm proved to be particularly dangerous and difficult to manage due to the high winds and drifting. At one point, crews had to reduce the level of service on snow emergency routes to one lane in each direction because the amount of snow blowing and falling made it impossible to maintain all lanes. Additionally, to assist emergency services the snowplow crews had to break through 6- to 8-foot drifts made by the storm in some neighborhoods. Crews were finally able to widen all emergency routes at 3 a.m. Friday and move into residential streets.

The size, magnitude, and length of this storm will require a long cleanup process. In a normal snow event it typically takes crews eight hours to clean 400-lane miles of city streets. Due to this storm’s size it will take at a minimum 12 hours. At this time, crews are estimating that city streets will be open to traffic by 3 p.m. Friday.

Beginning Sunday night, crews will work 24 hours a day for the next week to widen streets, cut down corners to improve safety, and haul snow. Residents are highly encouraged to remove any cars off the street so crews can complete their work. Any cars in the way will be towed. Residents should also expect additional noise during the night while equipment is in operation.

After each snow event, property owners are expected to clear city sidewalks of snow according to the following rules:

• Time: Once the snowfall is over, property owners have 48 hours to remove snow from any city sidewalk.
• Territory: You may only move snow to your property and public right of ways or boulevards directly adjacent to your property.
• Transfer: You cannot blow, shovel or transfer snow to streets or public property, such as parks or school property.

Also, remember to clear out any fire hydrants, mail boxes and areas where you place your garbage and recycling bin for collection each week.

The city does monitor for violators of this policy, and often receives reports to investigate violations. Once a violation is confirmed, the city notifies the property owner that they are in violation and what needs to be addressed. If the property owner does not clear the snow properly within 48 hours of the notice being given, the city will clear it and charge the service to the property owner.

 If you have any questions or concerns please feel free to contact the Code Enforcement office at 701-433-5400 or ce@westfargond.gov.