Snow Removal

When winter weather is forecasted, the Public Works Street Maintenance division follows established procedures for snow or ice pretreatment and removal. Town trucks are equipped with salt spreaders, brine tanks, and snow plows, and employees work in 12-hour shifts until streets are clear. 

To ensure that our crews and equipment are prepared for inclement weather, our annual "Snow Week" training includes equipment inspections, refresher training on plowing, brine making, and reviewing hazard areas along routes.

Pre-Treatment Before Snowfall

If snow is in the forecast, Town crews will apply brine (a liquid saltwater solution) to major thoroughfares, bridges and overpasses 24 to 48 hours in advance. Pre-treating with brine can prevent ice from bonding to the pavement, making plowing more effective and reducing the amount of salt needed later. Brine solution works best when rain does not fall prior to snow, and loses effectiveness below a temperature of around 20 degrees Fahrenheit. Immediately after brining operations, you'll notice lines on the pavement like the ones pictured here.

After snow or freezing rain begins to fall, crews spread salt on bridges and overpasses first, since they are safety hazards. The salt prevents the ice from forming and begins the melting process by lowering the freezing point of water. Next, heavily traveled streets (often referred to as 'primary' streets) are treated with salt. 

Snow Plowing Procedures

• Plowing begins when two or more inches of snow accumulate. The Town avoids plowing below two inches in an effort to protect infrastructure like manhole lids and water valve covers.
• NCDOT, which maintains major roadways like NC-55, US 64, etc. can scrape roads more aggressively since municipal infrastructure is not a concern.

Roadway Clearing Responsibilities

• Roads are maintained by either NCDOT or the Town, depending on ownership. View the road ownership map here.
• Apex Public Works may assist in clearing state roads critical for first responders when NCDOT crews cannot do so quickly enough. For more details on NCDOT's winter storm operations, visit their website: NCDOT Winter Storm Response.
• Private roads, including those in apartment complexes, are the responsibility of the property manager or HOA.

Street Clearing Priorities

The Town plows 177+ lane miles of streets. Plowing is prioritized as follows: 

• Primary streets (major thoroughfares & emergency routes, e.g., Olive Chapel Rd, Salem St, NC Hwy 55).
• Secondary streets after primary routes are clear.
• Residential streets, only after primary and secondary roads are passable.

Public Works also treats access points to Town facilities, including fire stations, Town Hall, and parks. The Town cannot provide pre-treament or snow removal services to private properties, including businesses, hospitals, schools, and churches.

How Residents Can Help

• Plan ahead. Depending on the nature of the winter storm, it could be difficult to navigate out of your neighborhood. 
• Keep vehicles and other items off the street to assist with effective plowing.
• Shovel snow from sidewalks adjacent to your property.
• Stay off the road when possible.

Common Questions

Why is there a snow pile at my driveway? Snow pushed by plows may accumulate at driveway entrances. Crews cannot remove this; residents should clear their driveways while keeping snow off the street.

How do I report mailbox damage from a plow? If you believe a Town plow has caused damage your mailbox, call (919) 249-3400 for an investigation and possible repair.