Thank you for reporting this issue. The Department of Public Works will now begin its investigation into the matter.

This issue was recategorized from Sweeping Needed to ROW: Spring Work List.

It is my understanding that the street sweeper runs when the weather permits year round...to recategorize this as a spring issue is not correct.

Hi, thanks for these reports and it is a good question. Our sweepers are cleaned and winterized for storage in late fall/early winter. Soon, they will undergo preventative maintenance and conditioning for extensive use throughout the warm months. With the potential (albeit narrowing) for more winter weather, it is also beneficial to wait until most/all of the salt has been washed away as it can be corrosive to equipment. We will also have an extensive citywide Operation Clean Sweep campaign in early spring.

An extensive Operation Cleaner Sweep is needed in the late fall for just these reasons (above) and more: The salt will have been long gone; the equipment is in ready-to-use condition; the phosphorus-laden leaf litter will be removed BEFORE flowing down the drain and into the lake over an entire winter (only a fraction of phosphorus is removed IF stormwater is treated); streets will be safer for drivers and riders alike; there will be less littering (per the so-called broken window strategy); and this would allow the efficient, simultaneous testing of parking ban lights. Let's initiate an operation Cleaner Sweep for the fall!

Thank you for your response, unfortunately it is not consistent with last year’s response for street sweeping...see attached

Maybe you should read what you posted. It explains about sweeping when the pavement temp is above 58. You answered your own question.

Thanks Fred, glad you’re interested! That temp is related to painting road lines.

Then WHY are you posting it?????

Hi Fred; it looks like Andrea posted that message because of the whole first part, showing that sweepers were being used last winter.

Wow Fred, are you intentionally being ignorant?

It shows that 1 year ago (12 months ago) DPW has a street sweeper out. Therefore one can deduce that DPW can begin sweeping the same time this year. It has nothing to do with the temperature of the road. Line stripping was dependent on the road temp. Hope this helps.

Also like to reiterate OldVtr's comment, "An extensive Operation Cleaner Sweep is needed in the late fall for just these reasons"

I've been asking DPW for Fall sweeping for years. Their answer, "WE DONT!"

The Department of Public Works has resolved this request. Thanks for helping to keep Burlington a great place to live and work.
Swept during clean sweep.