Photo Credit:
Archie Nicolette
Accessibility in Winter
Each year we receive calls from residents with disabilities who experience difficulty moving about in the community due to the snow. Large snow falls combined with Madison's number of streets, crosswalks, curb cuts and bus stops make it virtually impossible to clear snow from every site on a timely basis. The City asks residents to assist in letting the us know of problem areas by reporting issues to Report a Problem.
- Report a street that needs plowing
- Report a street that needs sanding
- Report a curb ramp not cleared
- Report a crosswalk that needs clearing
- Report a bus stop that needs clearing
Sidewalk Clearing
The City of Madison requires that property owners remove all snow and ice from sidewalks, including curb cuts. Please notify Building Inspection of any sidewalk or curb cut that is impassable due to snow and/or ice accumulation. You can report it in a variety of ways:
- Report a sidewalk that needs clearing
- Report a curb cut that needs clearing
- Call Building Inspection: (608) 266-4551 or WI Relay Service
Clearing of Wheelchair Ramps
Crosswalk snow removal is begun with the Isthmus Pedestrian Corridor being taken care of first along with the School/Handicap crosswalk list. 8 crews, citywide, are assigned for 3 consecutive nights to begin crosswalk snow removal. Crosswalk snow removal continues throughout the normal workday as well. Crosswalk snow removal continues until the entire City has been checked. (This process takes 3-4 weeks to complete.) City owned sidewalks and the School/Handicap Crosswalk lists are maintained during regular business hours during a storm. Parks and City Engineering are also involved in maintaining City Bike Paths during and after a snow event. The main bike routes are maintained starting at 4:00 a.m. on weekdays in order to be traversable by the morning commute.
- Report a curb cut that needs clearing
- Call Building Inspection: (608) 266-4551 or WI Relay Service
Snow Removal for Seniors and Disabled Residents
If you need more time to shovel due to age or disability, we can add your address to the snow extension list. The extension gives single-family, owner-occupied homes an extra 72 hours to clear snow. To add your home to the list, please call Building Inspection at (608) 266-4551 and provide your address.
The City of Madison does not clear private sidewalks. These community agencies may be able to coordinate shoveling for older adults:
| Agency | Phone | Fax |
| NewBridge Madison, Inc. | (608) 512-0000 | (608) 299-0700 |