Winter weather might not come to Memphis often, but when it does, it can bring the city to a halt. That’s why the City of Memphis has rolled out a new strategic snow and ice mitigation plan to help us all navigate icy streets with greater ease and safety. This updated plan, which took effect on January 1, 2025, marks a significant improvement in how our city handles wintry weather—just in time for those frosty months ahead!
A New Way to Keep Memphis Moving
Under the updated strategy, the Memphis Division of Public Works is going beyond their previous approach of only treating inclines, declines, overpasses, and bridges. Now, crews will focus on clearing one lane in each direction on key routes throughout the city. This adjustment ensures a more reliable way to move through Memphis when snow and ice make their occasional appearance.
But that’s not all! Memphis is also ditching the old salt-and-sand mix for pure salt, which is proven to more effectively melt snow and ice. Additionally, crews will pretreat roads with brine when conditions allow, giving us a head start in battling winter weather.
This new approach is modeled after successful strategies in other Tennessee cities and nationwide, ensuring Memphis stays ahead of the curve in keeping drivers safe.
What You Need to Know
Check out the designated treatment map to see which routes the city will prioritize during winter storms. The map highlights not only the streets maintained by the City of Memphis but also those managed by the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT). The goal is to create a seamless winter-weather driving experience by clearing city streets that intersect with TDOT routes.
Why this matters: By coordinating efforts and focusing on strategic routes, Memphis is positioning itself to handle snowy and icy conditions more efficiently, ensuring residents and drivers have safe access to critical roads.
Winter Weather Tips for Memphians
Even with the city’s proactive measures, safety starts with you. Keep these tips in mind during winter weather:
- Be Patient: Crews need time to clear the roads. Allow extra travel time and avoid unnecessary trips during snow and ice events.
- Stay Alert: Keep an eye on the latest weather forecasts, and be prepared for changing road conditions.
- Be Prepared: Stock your vehicle with essentials like blankets, a flashlight, water, and an ice scraper. Plan ahead for your commute or errands.
What This Means for Memphis
This plan is a reflection of Memphis’s commitment to keeping residents safe and ensuring the city stays operational during challenging weather conditions. It also signals a collaborative effort between city and state agencies, highlighting Memphis as a city that takes care of its own.
As Memphians, we can do our part by preparing for winter, staying informed, and giving the hardworking Public Works crews the time they need to make our roads safer.
Get Involved and Stay Informed
Want to know more about the new plan or see the map of treated routes? Visit the city’s website or follow updates through Memphis Public Works’ social media channels. And don’t forget to share these tips with your friends and neighbors to help everyone navigate winter weather more safely.