Denver deploys residential snow plows tonight

It doesn't happen often, but after reports of up to 10.5 inches of snowfall in the City of Denver, the Department of Public Works is deploying dozens of residential snow plows Tuesday evening to make your morning commute safer. 

The city will deploy 96 4x4 plow trucks starting at 9 p.m. 

Denver Public Works, as well as Parks and Recreation drivers will be making a single pass down each of Denver's residential streets, shaving off the top few inches of snow pack to make the roadways more driveable and prevent deep rutting. 

This is a rare exception from the department, according to Denver7 reporter Jennifer Kovaleski, who spoke with Public Works officials.

#Denver public works says they made an exception to plow residential roads. Normally, requires 12inches of snow, and 2days freezing temps.

— Jennifer Kovaleski (@JennKovaleski) December 15, 2015

Crews will be working from 9 p.m. to 9 a.m. Denver's heavy snow plow drivers will continue to work overnight clearing the main streets. 

The city of Aurora will not be deploying side-street plows. In a statement, City of Aurora spokeswoman Lori MacKenzie said the following:

Aurora does not plow residential streets unless the conditions are such that public safety becomes a concern.  We have provided assistance to our emergency service providers in a couple isolated instances today but overall they seem to be accessing the areas they need without problem.

 Our efforts remain focused on the designated snow routes.  From now through the evening rush we will focus on the primary routes which include emergency service facilities and response routes.  Later this evening the focus will shift to the secondary (routes to provide access to schools.