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Cincinnati is upgrading its Snowplow Tracker and GPS systems ahead of the 2026–2027 winter season. The improvements include a new technology vendor, digital route guidance for snowplow drivers and 10 additional roadway weather stations. The city is also involving local students through its Paint-a-Plow initiative.
Cincinnati’s snowplow tracker upgrades will give residents improved access to information about snow removal operations during the 2026–2027 winter season.
The upgrades aim to improve the reliability of the city’s Snowplow Tracker and provide more accurate information about snowplow locations and road conditions.
Cincinnati snowplow tracker gets new technology
City officials announced the technology improvements Thursday, November 5, with Mayor Aftab Pureval, City Manager Sheryl Long and Department of Public Services Director Mark Riley outlining the changes.
The city is partnering with technology vendor ETCH to improve its public Snowplow Tracker.
The updated system will use upgraded GPS technology to provide more reliable location information as snowplows clear city streets.
The improvements follow previous technical problems that affected the tracking system during periods of heavy public traffic.
During major winter weather events, residents often use the tracker to determine which streets have received snow removal services.
Also, the updated platform aims to make that information more accessible and reliable when residents need it most.
City expands roadway weather monitoring network
Cincinnati is also expanding its network of roadway weather stations to improve winter weather monitoring.
The city plans to add 10 stations, bringing the total to 20.
These stations collect information about pavement temperatures, precipitation and road conditions.
The additional monitoring equipment will help city crews assess changing weather conditions and make more informed decisions about snow and ice removal.
The improvements are part of Cincinnati’s broader preparations for the upcoming winter season.
Snowplows receive digital route guidance
Furthermore, the city has also equipped snowplow trucks with tablets that display digital routes.
The technology replaces traditional paper maps and helps drivers navigate their assigned routes during winter operations.
Cincinnati deploys approximately 65 snowplow trucks and drivers per shift during major winter weather events.
Crews generally prioritize major roads, bridges, hills and heavily traveled routes before moving into residential neighborhoods.
The city aims to make all streets passable within 24 hours after snowfall ends.
Cincinnati prepares community involvement through Paint-a-Plow
Aside from technology improvements, Cincinnati is introducing a community initiative called Paint-a-Plow.
The project gives Cincinnati Public Schools students an opportunity to create artwork for snowplows operating in their neighborhoods.
Four schools were selected to participate:
- East District: Clark Montessori
- West District: LEAP Academy
- North District: Bond Hill Academy
- South District: School for Creative and Performing Arts
The initiative adds a community element to the city’s winter preparations by involving students in public service activities.
Residents can monitor snow removal operations
Residents will be able to use the city’s Snowplow Tracker to monitor snow removal activities during winter weather operations.
The upgraded system is intended to provide more dependable information about snowplow locations as crews work across Cincinnati.
Residents can also report hazardous or icy road conditions by calling 311.
The technology improvements come as the city prepares for another winter season, when reliable road information and coordinated snow removal operations will be important for commuters and residents.
FAQs
What is Cincinnati changing about its Snowplow Tracker?
Cincinnati is partnering with technology vendor ETCH to improve the reliability and accuracy of its public Snowplow Tracker. The updated system will use upgraded GPS technology to provide better information about snowplow locations.
How do Cincinnati snowplows prioritize streets?
Crews generally clear major roads, bridges, hills and heavily traveled routes first. Residential streets are addressed after higher-priority routes.
What is Cincinnati’s Paint-a-Plow initiative?
Paint-a-Plow is a community project that allows Cincinnati Public Schools students to design artwork for snowplows serving their neighborhoods. Four schools representing different city districts were selected.
