Streets and sidewalks

Cities are responsible for the inspection, and maintenance of their streets, and are required to make certain that the streets are reasonably safe for the public to use. Regardless of a municipality’s size, budget, and policies, having a simple but systematic program for street and sidewalk inspection and maintenance is necessary for improving overall condition and minimizing liability.

Use these RMSA inspection forms to help:

• Sample: Snow and ice management policy
• Street inspection form
• Citizen complaint form

Plan for winter storms

Every year, winter storms wreak havoc on city streets. Poor planning and ill-equipped communities will see thousands of accidents and even several deaths due to dangerous, icy streets. Proactive planning can make all the difference when the next winter storm hits.

Now is an ideal time to think about your snow and ice management plan. Use this example to help you start or refine your plan:

• Sample snow and ice management plan

It is also a good time to evaluate your street signs to make sure they are visible in adverse weather conditions.

• Sign inventory/inspection

Snow plowing damage tip

Consider using 6’–8’ foot marking stakes to identify different structures and immovable hazards. Install these early in the season, which allows snowplows to avoid these hazards that are nearly impossible to see in deep snow:

• Concrete curbs and sidewalk locations
• Fire hydrants
• Utility connection boxes
• Catch and drain basins
• Guardrails
• Stumps and boulders
• Drainage ditches
• Culverts and water pipes
• Buried cable accesses

We encourage your staff to utilize the RMSA U course Snow and ice management. For more risk management help, RMSA staff is always happy to talk with you.