Spencer, IA (Northwestiowanow.com) — If you’ve ever wondered how the city of Spencer tackles snow removal, Public Works Director Mark White says it is a carefully choreographed affair, with pre-determined routes, mapped out for peak efficiency.

If it can wait, plowing begins at 1am, but weather systems don’t always cooperate.

After a typical two-inch snow, the first pass can be completed in six hours, with attention then focused on cul-de-sacs and city property. The next morning at 1 snow removal operations begins.

White says thanks to the Iowa Department of Transportation, the city is allowed to windrow the snow down the middle of Highway 71 so parking spaces in the central business are available.