I'll defer to AGG based on local knowledge.

Here on the lake, we get A LOT more snow than Albany. I've never had a major issue getting to work or home. The last commute I missed was in July 2006. That said, my commute is half your distance by my most direct route. It's right about at my personal limit. FWIW, in a major snow storm, my commute time increases by about 50%.

For your winter bike look into studded snow tires. I run Nokian Hakkapeliitta W106 in 700x35 on my bike, which is a mix of cyclocross bike and touring bike. Stay away from plain steel studs. They don't last. Stick with carbide. They'll outlast your bike.