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Streets Department
Government » Departments » Streets » Street Operations
Winter Street Operations
Our professional snowplow operators take pride in clearing the streets as efficiently, safely and thoroughly as possible.
Our Vision: Maintenance. Improvement. Connection.
EMERGENCY SNOW ZONES STREET PRIORITY LEVELS
DRIVING TIPS ADDITIONAL RESOURCES & FAQS
The City of Bend Streets and Operations Department is getting ready for the season and we're asking you to do your part to prepare for winter as well.
As stewards of the community, we serve and are responsive to extreme weather conditions. Understanding that travel may be challenging, our professional snowplow operators respond by altering snow-fighting strategies in the midst of the snow control operations in order to control drifting snow, ice, special emergency situations and to prevent obstacles that drivers may experience. We encourage the community to drive cautiously, safely and do not follow closely behind nor pass the snowplows.
Understandably, every city street cannot be plowed at the same time. Therefore, we cannot provide an estimate of when your street will be cleared when heavy storm activity is present.
The City of Bend does not maintain private properties, business complexes, apartment complexes, alleys or private streets. Snow control is the responsibility of property owners.
EMERGENCY SNOW ZONES
The Streets and Operations Department has a plan for winter street operations, including how we prioritize streets to plow and sand, how we handle driveways and how we should deal with certain problematic streets where on-street parking during particularly heavy snowfalls have contributed to increasingly narrow and sometimes impassable roads. These areas are what we call "emergency snow zones."
As part of a pilot project, during declared snow emergencies, the City of Bend will ask that "emergency snow zones" marked streets be cleared of parked cars to help crews plow from curb to curb.
Areas are listed below and on the corresponding maps:
Wall Street (Portland Avenue to Colorado Avenue)
Bond Street (Wall Street to Colorado Avenue)
Chandler Avenue (Mt. Washington Drive to Century Drive)
NE Courtney Drive (27th Street to Conners Avenue)
NE Conners Avenue (27th Street to Courtney Drive)
NW Broadway Street (Franklin Avenue / Riverside Boulevard to Colorado Avenue)
NW Tumalo Avenue (Riverside Boulevard to Broadway Street)
17th Street & Troon Avenue (Galveston Avenue to Mt. Washington Drive)
If a big snow storm arrives in Bend, City officials will consider many factors, including weather forecasts and time of day, in the decision to declare a "snow emergency," which means parking will not be allowed on these streets during an identified period of 12 hours or until the street has been cleared curb to curb. The City of Bend will publish a News Release declaring a snow emergency and identify the 12 hour period for parking restrictions. The City of Bend will plow the emergency snow zone streets listed during the identified 12 hours. Once the street has been completely plowed from curb to curb, cars can return to the zone. Snowplowing is expected to be performed at night in the downtown areas identified.
Sign up to receive emergency snow zone notifications via email at bendoregon.gov/enews.
For City of Bend parking information Parking or call Streets and Operations Parking line at (541) 312-4910 during business hours.
During a big storm, check the banner on the City of Bend homepage or call Streets and Operations at (541) 323-5980.
As this is still a pilot program, the City of Bend does not intent to tow vehicles. If we have to tow a vehicle to facilitate safe streets, it will be at no cost to the driver. If your vehicle is not where you parked it during a declared snow emergency, please call Consolidated Towing at (541) 389-8080 to find out where your vehicle is.
When it snows, everyone—whether it's an emergency snow zone or not—can help the Streets and Operations Department plow curb-to-curb by trying to keep streets clear of obstacles such as parked vehicles, campers, garbage cans or other objects and barriers such as basketball hoops that are in the right of way.
Snow Emergency Zone Maps
WESTSIDE BEND
DOWNTOWN BEND
EASTSIDE BEND
STREET PRIORITY LEVELS
Staff prioritizes plowing and sanding on the highest-use streets that accommodate the most drivers, major employment areas, schools and transit routes. Below lists the Priority Levels and the corresponding map will help you understand how we prioritize which routes to plow first.
During a big snow storm, City officials will consider whether to call contractors to help City snowplow crews, based on a variety of variables including the weather forecast. Contractors are typically used to help clear local, residential streets.
Bend has microclimates, or, different weather patterns depending on geographic locations and storms can impact parts of town differently.
Click to download full Priority Plowing and Sanding Zones map.
Priority One: Major Collectors and Arterials
Streets that provide a network system for emergency services operations, interconnect high volume streets, and serve as the major street network. Highest priority streets are:
Priority Two: Selected Collector Streets
Arterial & Collector streets necessary to provide access to Priority One Streets. Also include routes to medical facilities, schools, major employment centers and streets requiring special attention such as steep hills or curves.
Priority Three: Residential/Other
After snow control operations on Priority One and Two areas have been accomplished, snowplows deploy onto residential streets.
Before traveling on roadways: Verify latest road conditions, road closures and congestion spots can be found at tripcheck.com. The entire area can be observed from this site.
Respect Detours: As with any emergency, detours on roadways may appear. Be respectful of the detours. This is to protect the safety of our citizens.
Weather Information: Please check the latest forecast and stay alert at noaa.gov
Contact the City of Bend Public Works, Street & Operations Department at (541) 323-5980 (Monday through Friday 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.) if you have questions. NOTE: This line is not an emergency line.
During an emergency please dial 911.
Winter Operations Tri Fold Brochure
Contracted Lots Map
Expand/Contract Questions and Answers
How does the City decide which streets get plowed first?
The Streets and Operations Department plows 160 lane miles of main arterials, 71 lane miles of collectors and 609 lane miles of local residential streets. Typically, plowing begins when snowfall accumulates 2 inches or more. Crews start by plowing the main arterials for emergency vehicle access, also focusing on routes to the Hospital, Government Facilities, and Schools (if class is in session). Residential streets are typically done last. As a note, the City of Bend does not maintain alleys and will not remove snow from any alley. Please understand that every street cannot be cleared at the same time. Under ideal circumstances, we can predict fairly accurately when we will have streets in various sections of the City plowed. As weather conditions change, we often must alter our snow-fighting strategy in the midst of the snow control operations in order to control drifting snow, ice or other special problems. We cannot give you an estimate of when your street will be cleared due to storm intensity or ever-changing weather conditions.
Why do the city snow plows push snow into my driveway? Who is responsible for clearing it?
Because of normal snow plowing operations, snow may be placed in your driveway unavoidably. Snowplows are angled to the right for plowing from the centerline of the street to the curb. For this reason, a certain amount of snow will be deposited in driveways as the snow unloads. Snow left in driveways or on sidewalks by the city while snow plowing, is the residents and owners responsibility to remove.
I just shoveled my driveway. Why did the City snow plow push snow on it?
When plowing, snow may end up on the driveway you just shoveled. We apologize for the inconvenience this may causes. If your schedule permits, you may want to wait and clear your driveway after snowplows have passed through your street. If it's a significant snowfall, the snowplow may return to make multiple passes. Streets are typically opened with one pass through so that streets can be made passable for drivers as soon as practical. Snowplows may return to open the street curb-to-curb. This is done to clear areas for on-street parking and to allow melting snow to drain into catch basins. We regret that you may find some of this snow on your recently shoveled driveway. There are 40,000+ driveways in the City limits. If the City used all of the snowplows and spent just 60 seconds per driveway, it would take several days to clean driveways alone.
Snow removal tip
If your driveway is cleared before the street is plowed, clear an area to the right of your driveway (if you are facing the house, the oncoming side). When the plow comes by, the snow will dump onto this cleared area and diminish the amount of snow plowed onto your driveway approach. The more snow you clear from this area, the less will be deposited along the travel route. To minimize further problems, pile snow that has been shoveled from the driveway and cleared areas onto the DOWNSTREAM side of the driveway. Then if the snowplow hits this pile, snow will be moved onto the grass or sidewalk, not back into your driveway. Snowplow operators do not come back to plow out any driveway entrance.
I just shoveled my sidewalk. Why did the City snow plow push snow on it?
Some areas of the city have narrow public rights of way. These areas can be impacted more than wider areas because there is a need to clear as much snow out of the street as possible. When plowing, the snow may end up on the sidewalk you just shoveled. We apologize for the inconvenience this may causes. If your schedule permits, you may want to wait and clear your sidewalk after city snowplows have passed through your street. If it's a significant snowfall, the snowplows may return to open the street curb-to-curb. Streets are typically opened with one pass through, so that streets can be made passable for drivers as soon as possible and to clear areas for on-street parking, where it's permitted and to allow melting snow to drain into catch basins.
Why is the snow plow operator driving so fast considering the road conditions?
Snowplows are emergency vehicles, but typically do not exceed the posted speed limit. Snowplows are large, noisy pieces of equipment. It may appear at times that the snowplow operator is driving too fast for road conditions. Many times, the engine sound and noise of the plow scraping the pavement give the perception that the truck is flying down the street, when in actuality, they are moving at 15 to 25 miles per hour. The snowplows do move faster on open stretches of roadway to push snow farther off of the road to ensure there is sufficient space to stack the snow. Please remember – do not follow snowplows too closely and give them plenty of room.
Can snow from my driveway or complex be pushed across the street?
Snow may not be pushed into or across the street from private property, per City of Bend Code 13.45.015 Surface Waters-Drainage. This also pertains to private streets, parking lots, driveways and sidewalks. A violation of this Code is a Class B Civil Infraction (ord. NS-2141, 2010).
When does my sidewalk need to be cleared and whose responsibility is it?
Residents and owners are reminded to remove snow from sidewalks within 24 hours after the snowfall has stopped and 6 hours for commercial properties, per City of Bend Code 5.35.020 (Snow and Ice). If you have fire hydrant in front of your property, it is your responsibility to remove snow accumulation from around the hydrant.
For additional Information: Code Enforcement Division
Who do I contact if a city snowplow hits my mailbox?
If your mailbox is struck by a Contractor or City snowplow during snow control operations, please contact the City of Bend Streets and Operations Department at 541-323-5980 during normal business days (Monday thru Friday, 7 a.m. and 4 p.m.) Public Works staff will review the incident with you for details and direct you to the Supervisor or Contractor responsible. Non-standard mailboxes and enclosures placed in the public rights of way are at the owner's risk and responsibility. Snow removal near mailboxes is the responsibility of the adjacent property owner. Mail service may be hindered by or stopped if access to the mailbox is not clear of snow.
What if landscaping or irrigation in the right of way is damaged?
Remember to not landscape with rocks, bricks, timbers, shrubs and other items in the right of way. Some residents may have irrigation in the right of way. This is done at the owner's risk and responsibility. Keep any irrigation heads away from the edges of the curbs and sidewalks. Snowplows could cause damage or become damaged by landscaping materials in the right of way.
If it's discovered that a snowplow damaged a curb and/or sidewalk, please report to the Streets and Operations Department at 541-323-5980.
What if we have an emergency during a snow storm?
The City of Bend Public Works Department works closely with the Bend Police Department and Bend Fire Department. Anytime there is an emergency that requires snow control assistance, one of the plowing crews are pulled from their regular route to respond as quickly as possible.
I once saw a snow plow parked in a restaurant parking lot during a bad snowstorm. Why was it there instead of on the streets working?
Snowplow operators take pride in clearing the streets on their routes as quickly and thoroughly as possible. Driving a snowplow is demanding, tiring work. Common sense and good safety practices dictate that each driver should take a 30-minute break every four to six hours. It is dangerous, both for the snowplow driver and the public if a fatigued driver is behind the wheel. It's in the best interest of the all concerned for drivers to take occasional breaks.
Why can't you plow my street now?
We wish we had enough snowplows and drivers to take care of every street right away, but our resources are limited. Therefore, we must adhere to a carefully laid out system for clearing the streets. If we allowed our snowplows to be diverted each time a special request is made, our system would be destroyed and it would take far longer to get all streets in the city cleared. To keep our snow control operations as effective and efficient as possible, snowplows deviate from their assigned routes as little as possible. Main arterial streets have first priority for snow plowing, followed by collector streets and then residential streets.
Can you tell me exactly when my street will be plowed?
Unfortunately, staff cannot give you an estimate of when your street will be cleared of snow due to ever-changing weather conditions, emergency situations, traffic congestion (increased traffic could slow things down greatly) or available resources (City and/or Contractors). As weather conditions change, we often must alter our snow-fighting strategies in the midst of the snow control operations in order to control drifting snow, ice or other specific problems.
Why doesn't the trucks plow and sand on the way to their routes?
Each snowplow has an assigned route. If the trucks spread sand on their way to their destination, they wouldn't have enough sand to spread along their own route. Furthermore, plowing along the way would mean that it would take longer for the snowplow operator to reach its assigned route.
From all of us to all of you:
We appreciate everyone's patience and cooperation as we strive
to ensure everyone's safety this Winter Season.


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You are here: Home / News / Budget cuts up credit cards
Budget cuts up credit cards
June 14, 2011 By Bob Hague
Assembly leaders get ready for the budget battle. The Assembly will take the floor sometime today to begin debate on the state budget. Democratic Minority Leader Peter Barca says the GOP authored document features tax increases, fund raids and increased bonding. "The part that I personally find the most egregious is the lack of shared sacrifice," said the Kenosha Democrat. "We are rewarding special interests at the same time we're hurting middle class families." There's too much pain and sacrifice, said La Crosse Democrat Jennifer Shilling, who serves on the Joint Finance Committee. "I know where that pain and that sacrifice is being asked. It's being asked of those who are most vulnerable in our state. It's being asked of education, of disabled, of seniors, of working families, of the working poor. I've yet to see the shared part."
But GOP Speaker Jeff Fitzgerald says it's a budget that restores fiscal sanity after years of running structural deficits. "This is the time in the state's history that I think many of us have done at home. We've been maxing out the credit card, we've spending more than we have coming in. This is the time to cut up the credit cards. That's what we're doing." The nonpartisan Legislative Fiscal Bureau said Monday that the budget eliminates a more than $3 billion structural deficit and leaves the state with a surplus of more than $300 million for the two year budget cycle. Representative Robin Vos, the GOP co-chair of the Joint Finance Committee, said the budget has no new tax increases and includes historically low property tax increases.
Will changes to collective bargaining – currently awaiting a state Supreme Court decision – end up in the state budget? "We'll see," said Fitzgerald. "But I would plan on passing it in the budget if the court does not act in time." The court heard arguments last week on a Dane County Judge's ruling to block implementation of the controversial measure. Fitzgerald said his caucus won't waver if it comes to a vote. "There might be protesters here for the rest of the week, but I am telling you, my caucus is more solid on that collective bargaining vote then they ever were, because they've been back to their districts. They're starting parades right now. They're having people stand up and cheer."
AUDIO: Bob Hague reports (:68)

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


The black retriever hears the whistling from the small wings, and quietly turns his head against the sky.
In the next moment, the teals land on the grassy mud directly in the decoy spread. As they discover their mistake, they immediately fly in every direction like exploding rockets, but it's already too late.
Duck hunting has its traditions moving on from father to son far back in time. The experienced duck hunters know exactly how to take full advantage of the wild birds migrating the country in huge numbers.
The last bunch of decoys is pulled out of the layout boat. The carabiner is loosened with a single grip, and shortly afterwards the decoys lie among their fellow plastic cousins and complete the impression of a flock of resting birds. The cold easterly wind carries snow along, and the raspy calling from a mallard hen is heard from the ice edge further away. It is going to be a good day!
Duck hunters have spent generations developing and specializing gear for their particular areas and hunting forms. Below you will find everything you need for your duck hunting. From premium Avian-X and GHG decoys to Lucky Duck and Mojos in all shapes and the best of duck calls from world-renowned Zink Calls.


A ONE BEDROOM RETIREMENT APARTMENT LOCATED ON THE SECOND FLOOR WITH VIEWS ACROSS THE RIVER Homespinney House was constructed by McCarthy & Stone (Developments) Ltd and comprises 65 properties arranged over 4 floors each served by lift. The Development Manager can be contacted from various points within each property in the case of an emergency. For periods when the Development Manager is off duty there is a 24 hour emergency Appello call system. Each property comprises an entrance hall, lounge, kitchen, one or two bedrooms and bathroom. It is a condition of purchase that residents be over the age of 60 years, or in the event of a couple, one must be over the age of 60 years and the other over 55 years. Please speak to our Property Consultant if you require information regarding 'Event Fees' that may apply to this property.
Light switch, ceiling light point. Airing cupboard with insulated hot water cylinder, electric meter and storage space.
Tiled and fitted with stainless steel sink unit, wall and floor cupboards with work tops. Space for electric cooker. Space for fridge/freezer. Power points. Ceiling light.
Built in wardrobe with hanging rail and shelf over. Storage heater, wall light fittings, power points, emergency intercom.
Tiled and fitted with suite comprising bath with shower over. Hand grips and emergency push button. WC with low level flush and vanity unit with mirror over. Ceiling light, extractor fan, wall mounted electric heater.


Apparently there are people out there that are very excited about the see-through (transparent) cell phone concept ideas. So much so that the idea has grown into a full movement where people are trying to make it a reality. It's easier said than done though. The technology of plotting pixels on a solid transparent sheet isn't exactly easy, but the effort is far more environmentally friendly than the current option we are using. The main idea behind the see-through cell phone is to save power and make the phone last longer.
A truly inspiring concept idea comes from the designers Cho Sinhyung & Jeon Jungjae who have a second perspective on the idea of creating and developing cell phones out of a sheet of transparent material. They want to use something called E-Ink that will alert you when power is low. The phone does so by becoming ever less transparent as the less power remains.
Even though this concept revolves around the usage and the ultimate power consumption, it's also a step closer to realizing the idea of a transparent cell phone. We can only speculate if it will become a hit among consumers and if giants like Apple, Nokia and Sony/Ericsson would indulge in the idea and create their own breed of transparent cell phones.