The City of Joliet has issued reminders to residents regarding its snow removal policies for the 2025/2026 winter season. The city outlined procedures for snowplow operations, parking restrictions, and property owner responsibilities as part of its efforts to maintain safe roadways during winter weather.
Snowplows may sometimes push snow onto sidewalks, driveways, or intersections. While the Roadways Division tries to minimize this, it is not always avoidable. The city notes that crews may not be able to return to clear these areas after initial plowing and encourages residents to help where possible.
Residents are reminded that vehicles must be removed from streets when snowfall reaches two inches or more, in accordance with City Ordinance 16900, Section 19-142. “On-street parking is prohibited under City Ordinance 16900, Section 19-142 when snowfall reaches two (2) inches or more. Parked vehicles obstruct snowplows and leave large areas of snow and ice on the roadway. Once plow crews have completed clearing the street in front of your home or business, you may return your vehicle to the street.” Vehicles left on streets during a parking ban may receive tickets or be towed at the owner’s expense.
To assist residents in tracking snow removal progress, Greg Ruddy, Director of Public Works, announced a new online tracker: “The new snowplow tracker application will provide residents the ability to track snow removal progress during winter storms and help answer questions the residents may have.” The tracker can be accessed at https://joliet.plowtracker.com/.
Street plowing follows a set order: major arterial roads and hospital routes are cleared first, followed by subdivision main routes and collector streets, then remaining subdivision streets, and finally cul-de-sacs and dead ends. Alleys are not plowed by the city.
Due to costs associated with de-icing materials, salt is applied mainly on major arterials and key intersections. A mixture containing rock salt and organic liquids derived from sugar beet juice is used for its effectiveness in cold conditions and reduced corrosiveness compared to traditional methods.
The Roadways Division manages over 600 centerline miles of roadway using a fleet of 45 trucks operated by 47 employees. The goal is to clear all streets within 24 hours after snowfall ends; heavier accumulations may require additional time.
Property owners are responsible for clearing sidewalks adjacent to their properties. Commercial owners must also clear parking lots and driveways. It is a code violation to shovel or blow snow onto city streets. Residents are encouraged to keep fire hydrants accessible and mailboxes uncovered for postal delivery.
Mailbox damage caused by plows will be reviewed individually but will not be reimbursed if mailboxes were improperly placed too close to curbs. For mailbox placement questions or damage reports related to plowing activities, contact information was provided for both the Joliet Post Office (815-773-1089) and city departments (815-724-3651 for mailboxes; 815-724-3652 for sod).
For further inquiries during business hours (7:00 a.m.–3:30 p.m., Monday through Friday), residents can call Public Works at 815-724-3650; outside these times they should contact police non-emergency at 815-726-2491.
Joliet is located in Will and Kendall counties about thirty miles southwest of Chicago with a population exceeding 150,000 according to the most recent census data. More information about Joliet can be found at https://www.joliet.gov.
