Street check
Search Rochester PlowTrax
Enter an address to view current plows, residential route groups, and the last recorded plow time during an event.
Open Rochester PlowTraxRochester, NY winter guide
Rochester snow plow and parking guide.
Rochester's PlowTrax activates during snow events, tracks about 150 plows, and refreshes roughly every five minutes. It shows vehicle locations, residential route groups, and the last recorded time a street was plowed.
Reviewed September 1, 2026City of Rochester Department of Environmental Services
MAP REFRESHAbout 5 minutes
TRACKED FLEETAbout 150 plows
SIDEWALK SUPPORT4 inch trigger
Start with the official answer
Three useful ways to check Rochester
These links go directly to the city tools residents need during a storm.
Move the car
Choose the active parking plan
Read the differences among normal alternate side rules, a Plowing Day restriction, a Snow Emergency, and a Parking Emergency.
Read Rochester winter parking rulesNarrow emergency streets
Check the emergency street map
Search the 65 designated streets where all parking is prohibited during a declared Winter Parking Emergency.
Open the parking emergency mapHow the response unfolds
What happens before your street is finished
Rochester follows a local sequence. Knowing the phase explains why one road can be clear while another is still waiting.
- 1Primary response
Protect the main network
Crews treat main travel routes and emergency access while the active fleet begins recording progress in PlowTrax.
- 2Residential work
Complete assigned route groups
Residential plows follow assigned groups of streets, which residents can display in the official map.
- 3Special removal
Clear narrow emergency streets
A Parking Emergency allows curb to curb work and load and haul removal on announced narrow streets after vehicles leave the block.
Before leaving the car
Rochester parking rules that matter
- Follow regular alternate side parking unless the city announces a different winter plan for the event.
- During a Snow Emergency, do not park on a designated Snow Emergency Route.
- During a Parking Emergency, parking is prohibited on the specifically announced residential streets so crews can clear curb to curb.
Resident checklist
What to do during the storm
- 1
Check city announcements to identify the active parking plan.
- 2
Search the address in PlowTrax and display the residential route group.
- 3
Move the vehicle to the correct side or completely off an announced emergency street.
- 4
Clear remaining sidewalk snow and ice even when the city's supplemental sidewalk plow has passed.
Service boundaries
Who clears what in Rochester
The city plow department is not responsible for every road, sidewalk, driveway, alley, or parking area.
Rochester Environmental Services
Plows city streets, operates PlowTrax, and coordinates special curb to curb removal during declared parking emergencies.
New York State and other owners
State highways, county facilities, private roads, parking lots, and driveways can have a separate maintenance operator.
Property owners
Remain responsible for clearing adjoining sidewalks. City sidewalk plowing after four inches is supplemental and can leave snow or ice behind.
If the street looks missed
Use the active parking plan with PlowTrax
The live map updates frequently during an event, but active snowfall and repeated route passes affect the result. Confirm the city's current plan and allow the assigned route group to progress before reporting an ordinary concern.
- 1Identify the active parking restriction announced by the city.
- 2Search the address and last recorded pass in PlowTrax.
- 3Call 311 with the exact location if the city maintained street still needs eligible follow up.
Local questions answered
Rochester snow plow FAQ
Short answers for the questions residents usually have during an active storm.
How current is Rochester PlowTrax?
The city says the map refreshes approximately every five minutes during active events. A timestamp records activity, not a guarantee of bare pavement.
Which side of the street should I use during a Rochester storm?
Start with the city's announced plan. Normal alternate side rules may apply, but a Plowing Day, Snow Emergency, or Parking Emergency can add stricter instructions.
Does Rochester clear every sidewalk after four inches?
The city provides supplemental plowing on qualifying sidewalks at least five feet wide after four inches of new snow. The property owner still must remove remaining snow and ice.
Verify the answer
Official Rochester sources
Storm conditions and emergency rules change. These are the public-agency pages used for this guide.
More official guides