Plowing Along Curbs: Protecting Edge Ends and Curb Faces

Main answerSENTHAI Editorial Team

Short answer

A steady line, moderate speed, a blade angle that casts snow away from the curb and an edge end in good condition. Curbs hide under snow, so route knowledge matters most. This is practical advice; no speeds or tolerances are given.

Questions crews ask

How close should the blade run to the curb?

Close enough to clear, far enough to leave a margin. Leave more space where the curb is damaged, uneven or hidden by snow.

What angle suits curb work?

One that casts snow away from the curb into the lane or the next pass, not against the curb face. Test where the snow goes.

What about speed?

Lower near curbs, junctions, driveways and ramps. A strike at speed damages the edge, the curb and possibly the plow.

Does the edge end matter?

Yes. A chipped or sharp corner at the curb side catches more easily. Check the end at every walk-around, and replace or dress it when damaged.

What can we do about curb ramps and driveways?

Mark them on the route sheet, and lift or slow at each one. Drivers who know where they are damage less.

What should be recorded after a strike?

Location and time.
Photographs of the curb and the edge end.
Any damage to the plow.
What the driver was doing, in a non-blaming way.

Prevention list

Curb damage is predictable once the route has been driven in daylight.

Drive the route in daylight and mark curb problems.
Brief drivers on each marked spot.
Inspect edge ends and shoes each shift.
Review strikes weekly and look for patterns by driver and place.
Report damaged curbs to the owner so that they are repaired.

Teaching the line

On a quiet street, mark a line of cones along a curb and let new drivers practise holding a margin at low speed. Ten minutes of practice builds the feel that written rules cannot.

When a curb keeps getting hit

If the same stretch of curb is struck repeatedly, look beyond the driver. The curb may be damaged, the road may be narrow, parked cars may force the truck close, or the plow set-up may push the edge end toward the curb. Walk the stretch with the driver and look for the cause, then change the route, the markings or the set-up before blaming anyone.

Boundary: No speeds, clearances or incident statistics are given; use your agency’s procedures and your own records.