Starting on the 2016-2017 snow season, DSNY has instituted the use of new snow priority designations (critical, sector, haulster) to better manage the snow plow operations in New York City.

Critical Routes: These routes are comprised of highways (main beds, entrances, exits interchanges), arterial roadways, main travel thoroughfares (single lane and multi-lane), bus routes, that contain emergency services & first responder facilities (Hospitals, EMS, FDNY, NYPD) and schools.

Sector Routes: Designed to encompass all streets that are not classified as Critical Streets and are wide enough to accommodate a full size DSNY collection truck with a plow attached.

Haulster Routes: Designed to service dead ends and streets that cannot be serviced with a collection truck or salt spreader with a plow attached due to narrow street width or tight turning radius (either entering or exiting the street).

This feature service is updated annually to reflect the changing streets in New York City.