Alley Grading

There are 75 miles of alleys in the City of Great Falls. They are graded twice a year by schedule — once in the spring and again in the fall. Requests for additional maintenance are accepted year–round.

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Pothole Repair

Potholes will eventually show up on our streets, especially during spring thaw. We need your help to repair the street problems. You may call our PAR-TNER line (727-8637) or you can fill out our online Street Notificiation Form to report potholes.

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Snow and Ice Control

The City of Great Falls receives approximately 58 inches of snow annually. The snow is often accompanied by winds in excess of 40 mph and subzero temperatures. It is not possible to remove all the snow simultaneously from all of the City streets, however, it is our goal to provide access to desired destinations such as employment, shopping and community services in a quick, convenient, safe manner. Thoroughfares in Great Falls will be cleared by the following schedule:

1. Priority One: Emergency Snow Routes. These streets provide a network system throughout the city for emergency services operations. They are marked by road signs throughout the city.
2. Priority Two: Major Arterials. Streets interconnecting with high volume streets and completing the major street network with particular attention to schools, hospitals and business areas.
3. Priority Three: Selected Collector Streets. These streets include mass transit routes and other collector streets necessary to provide access to major arterials.
4. Non-Priority: Most residential streets and others not mentioned in Priority one, two or three. These streets are not normally cleared unless impassable. After clearing of the other priorities, special requests as manpower, equipment, are available.

For more information see the Snow & Ice Control Plan.

Please note: The following roadways are maintained by the State of Montana Highway Department: All Bridges; 1st & 2nd Ave. North; 14th & 15th Streets; 10th Ave. South; 6th St. S.W.; N.W. Bypass; Central Avenue West; and River Drive to the Overpass. The Highway Department can be reached locally at (406) 454-5880.

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Street Repairs

We want to make sure that driving on the City's streets is safe. Thousands of automobiles use our streets daily and over time, repairs are needed. We routinely evaluate the condition of each street in the City and determine what, if any, maintenance must be performed. On days when work is scheduled for your street, please follow all directions and traffic control devices within the maintenance area. Remove your vehicle from "No Parking" areas and refrain from driving on the street until after the posted time.

Frequently Asked Questions and Answers about Asphalt Overlays:

Why do you do an asphalt overlay?

Maintaining the streets in proper condition is more efficient and cost-effective than waiting until they need reconstruction.

When can I drive on the new surface?

The asphalt, which is applied at about 320 degrees Fahrenheit hardens as it cools. After it is rolled smooth and all traffic control devices are removed, you may drive on the new surface.

What precautions should I take when driving on a newly resurfaced road?

Driving carelessly over recently applied asphalt can permanently lessen the quality of the road for you and all other motorists using the road. Hasty stops, impetuous turns, spinning of tires can create holes or ruts in the new surface.

How soon after paving will the striping be done?

Weather permitting, the striping will be replaced in a day or two. In the meantime, please exercise caution while driving.

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Street Sanding

When snowfall or freezing rain is predicted, the Street Maintenance Divison will sand icy or slick spots to reduce the hazard or danger to vehicular traffic. Particular attention is given to areas near stop signs, traffic signals and hills. The City's salt policy calls for a minimum amount of salt to be used to achieve as safe a street surface as possible. Material is mixed with sand at a 5% salt to sand ratio to keep the sand from freezing and becoming unworkable. Non-corrosion de-icers are used on pedestrian crosswalks in the business district and on high traffic intersections when normal sanding may not effectively improve driving conditions.

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Street Sweeping

There are 275 street miles within the City. Residential streets are swept four times a year while collector and arterials are cleaned twenty-four times. The business district streets and avenues are cleaned daily.

Residents are advised to keep the curb area in front of their residence free from obstacles and parked cars during the days of scheduled street sweeping service. Schedules are posted in the Great Falls Tribune and affected areas are signed on the day the street sweeping is done.

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Weed Program

Vacant lots, alleys and roads overgrown with tall weeds are not only unsightly, but they can harbor rodents and reptiles and be a fire hazard. The City of Great Falls has an annual "nuisance weed program" to help eliminate this problem. Each year approximately 2,500 letters are sent to property owners with weed violations.

1. What is a weed violation?
   Grass and uncared for vegetation growing to a height in excess of eight inches on any property within City limits.
2. Are dandelions considered a nuisance weed?
   Dandelions, though not desired in our lawns, are not considered nuisance weeds under this ordinance. Dandelions do not normally grow to a height of 8 inches.

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Leaf Removal

Leaf removal on City streets takes place annually during the months of November and December in the boulevard residential areas only. The Park and Recreation Department is responsible for leaf removal. If you have any questions, please call (406)771-1265.

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Street Maintenance Notification Form