When Crews Plow

The city of Coon Rapids receives an average of 54 inches of snow a year. The snow removal crews generally do a full plowing of all City main streets, residential streets and sidewalks about 10 times per year (whenever a snowfall is 3 inches or more). During smaller snow events, crews plow main City streets with more traffic, but residential streets are not plowed.

During a full plowing event, crews plow over 400 lane miles of streets (over 200 miles of roadways, both directions, equals over 400 lane miles of plowing/driving), including 374 cul-de-sacs and other unique street configurations totaling 438 areas. Cul-de-sacs and these unique street areas require both large and small trucks to complete the plowing.

Keeping Ice Conditions at a Minimum

A salt mix is used on steep grades, high volume intersections, and curves when hazardous conditions occur. Ice control/salt treatments are used with consideration to need, effectiveness, cost, and environmental concerns. The ice control mix is a natural cornstarch-based material combined with salt. This mix is less corrosive and more environmentally friendly than other commonly used ice control mixes. The City does not use sand.

Streets Division crews also remove snow from bridges, medians and other confined locations when snow accumulates excessively and is responsible for clearing snow from city sidewalks once all roadways are cleared.

Winter Parking Restrictions 

The winter parking ban is in effect from November 1 through April 1. No parking is allowed on the street from 2 a.m. to 6 a.m.

Parking is also prohibited on public streets when there is an expected snow accumulation of 3 inches or more, or until the street has been plowed from curb-to-curb.

For more information on winter parking restrictions, view the City Code. 

Policies and Questions

Often residents have questions about exact snowplowing operations and how the City handles snow plowing events. 

Read about the City’s snow removal policies (PDF).

See the Snowplow Routes Map (PDF).

See the Trail Routes Map (PDF).

See the Snow Removal Brochure.

See the Mailbox & Paperbox Installation Guide (PDF).
Mailbox replacement/installation is the responsibility of the homeowner.

Stay Informed

The City updates residents when snowplow crews do a full plowing of residential areas (when there is 3+ inches of snow). You can find information on the City’s homepage, the City Facebook page, subscribe to the email list or call the Snowplow Hotline number at 763-755-2880 and press option 3.