Winter maintenance in Menomonie

You may notice that winter maintenance looks different depending on where you are in the city. That’s because different City teams are responsible for different spaces, and each road is treated based on its use and safety needs.

Busy, high-traffic roads like Broadway, Stout Road, hills, and emergency or transit routes are cleared earlier and more often. These roads see higher speeds and heavier traffic, so they’re typically treated with salt or salt brine to help prevent ice from bonding to the road and keep vehicles moving safely.

Residential streets usually have lighter traffic and slower speeds. They’re often treated with a sand-salt mixture, which helps improve traction while also reducing salt runoff into stormwater and nearby waterways. This approach is more cost-effective and less corrosive over time.

You may notice roads cleared before sidewalks or trails—and that’s part of the plan. The Street Department focuses on city streets, downtown areas, and emergency routes, while the Parks Department takes care of sidewalks, walking and biking trails, and park pathways. Each crew uses different equipment, materials, and timing based on safety priorities.

If you’d like to learn more about how winter maintenance works in Menomonie, check out our January display at the Menomonie Public Library.

From the City of Menomonie Facebook page.