Naperville activates map to track city plows

Naperville city officials have activated an online map that allows residents to track city plows and better plan for when streets will be safe.

It's the third year they've activated the map, http://gis.naperville.il.us/mashups/snowroutes/. As of this morning, it showed the city's plowing efforts as "in progress," but city spokeswoman Linda LaCloche said more detailed, individual street updates will soon start rolling now that the major snowfall has come to an end.

When residents open the map, they can type in their address and see, in real time, where crews are working and whether they are plowing, salting or finishing the job.

LaCloche said priorities for plowing are always arterial streets, such as Naper Boulevard and Washington Street, followed by such collector streets as Bailey and Hobson roads. Once those are cleared, crews will shift their attention to residential streets and cul-de-sacs.

The first of 75 plows hit the streets about 9 p.m. Saturday, and by 11 p.m. the entire roster of 22 plow drivers was called into action in 12 hours shifts. Since 9 p.m. Saturday, those crews have used approximately 1,000 tons of salt.

The city also employed 12 temporary plow drivers, employees from other departments who apply to assist with plowing efforts during winter events, and 58 private contractors.

LaCloche said crews will begin clearing the snow from downtown at 11 p.m. today and continue relocating the snow the lot near Jefferson and Avenue and Fort Hill Drive throughout the night.

The city aims to clear all streets 12 to 14 hours after the last flake falls.