Snow removal
When it has snowed, snow removal begins at 4 a.m. and is done according to a priority schedule. Efforts are made to keep all main routes open, both streets and paths. Streets follow and are cleared as quickly as possible each time.
Priority plan
You can see which streets and paths have priority on map website.
- Open the "Transportation" category in the menu on the right and check Snow Removal.
- The routes taken and which streets and paths have priority are then displayed.
Traffic streets
Heavy-duty snowplows are used on busy streets to clear snow quickly, and salt is used to remove ice.
The goal is that by 07:30 the following will be paid:
- trunk roads
- bus routes
- busy museum streets
- car plans at institutions
- institutional sources
- access to schools and kindergartens
Streets
Once the main roads have been cleared, the next step is to clear the streets that are difficult to drive on or have significant snow depth. Snow removal is aimed at making these streets passable. Salt or sand is used to de-ice them as needed.
When clearing snow on streets, snowdrifts can form on driveways. We try to organize the clearing so that this does not happen, but conditions vary and sometimes it is unavoidable. Snowdrifts are not shoveled except in special cases. It is therefore the responsibility of residents to clear snow from driveways.
Paths and sidewalks
Specially equipped tractors are used on paths and sidewalks, and sand and salt are used to remove ice. Main paths (wide walking and cycling paths that connect parts of the town) have priority in cleaning. Then the main paths to bus stops and schools are cleaned. They are expected to be clear by 8:00 a.m. on weekdays.
If there has been a lot of snow, we sometimes go out on weekends to clear the sidewalks. Narrow sidewalks in older neighborhoods (1–1.2 m) are usually not shoveled because it is difficult to navigate with machinery due to congestion. However, we try to respond to suggestions as best we can.
Salt and sand for residents
In winter you can get salt and sand at the Garðabær Service Center, Lyngás 18.
Do you want to know more?
Do you have a comment regarding snow removal? Send us a tip.
Garðabær's customer service center answers all questions about snow removal over the phone. 525 8500 or to the email address gardabaer@gardabaer.is.
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