Snow removal in Rochester: What you need to know this winter

ROCHESTER, Minn. — The City of Rochester's Public Works Department is gearing up for winter, ensuring efficient snow removal across the city.

With over 458 miles of roads and 540 cul-de-sacs to clear, the department prioritizes safety and accessibility, especially during winter snowfalls.

Rochester's streets are categorized into three priority levels for snow removal. Priority 1 includes arterial and collector roads, essential for emergency services. Priority 2 covers local roads, transit routes, and areas around schools. Priority 3 focuses on cul-de-sacs and dead ends.

For small snowfalls under 2 inches, crews typically clear Priority 1 and 2 roads in eight hours. Larger snowfalls over 4 inches require 12 hours to address, with Priority 3 roads cleared afterward. Snow removal from the