TOWN OF SOMERS SNOW REMOVAL POLICY WINTER 2009-2010 |
SOMERS DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS |
PURPOSE
The goal and intent of the Somers Highway Department is to maintain a safe road network by providing an efficient and effective snow and ice removal program. New England weather is unpredictable, and the unique nature of each storm event may dictate variations to the following policy.
The purpose of this report is to outline the general snow removal procedures of the Town, in addition to providing suggestions on how you, the residents, can help us in this effort. It is our hope that the Town's efforts, along with the cooperation and assistance of an informed public, will result in a safe winter season with minimal disruptions to ongoing daily activities.
SNOW AND ICE CONTROL PLAN
- STATE ROADS:
Some major roads in Town are maintained by the State of Connecticut. Two regional offices split the maintenance of these roads.
East Windsor Office (623-4473):
Hall Hill Road (Conn. Rt 186)
Springfield Road (Conn. Rt 83)
Turnpike Road (Conn. Rt 525)
Main Street west of Springfield Road (Conn. Rt 190)
Vernon Office (875-4993):
South Road (Conn. Rt 83)
Main Street east of Springfield Road (Conn. Rt 190)
Issues regarding the above roads may be directed to the above offices, or to the Somers DPW office (763-8234) and we will forward the information.
- TOWN ROADS
The Town of Somers maintains the remainder of the roads (approximately 168 lane miles).
The road network is divided into 10 plow routes. A town truck is assigned to each route. The drivers consist of Town employees from the Highway and Parks Departments, and qualified part-time drivers who are called in for storm events.
Coming storm events are monitored and tracked using available meteorological data from the news media and Internet. The police department also keeps us informed of road conditions, and notifies us when action is needed.
This year the Town will be using 'treated salt'. The use of this salt increases the penetration into ice and snow pack, is effective at lower temperatures, is less corrosive than regular salt, and is effective with the use of less salt and sand You may notice us applying the treated salt to the roads immediately prior to the storm to help prevent the snow/ice pack from bonding onto the road surface. Special attention is given to the mountainous areas of Town where lower temperatures and sloping roads make safe road conditions more critical.
As snowfall accumulation approaches the 2" level, the snowplowing effort commences. Roads must be "opened up" to allow for access to emergency vehicles. The primary roads are opened up first with a pass in each direction in the middle of the road. Local roads are then opened up. This effort may be repeated if continued heavy snowfall dictates.
When all streets are adequately opened up, the drivers may then begin to "push back" their roads. The snow is pushed back to the curb or gutter line, and the intersections are cleared. The roads must be pushed back to open drainage structures, and provide space for snow removal for subsequent storms.
After the plowing operation, another application of sand/salt may be applied to prevent black ice or the refreezing of melting snow. Some areas are prone to drifting, and plows may be sent out to these areas again.
Parking lots and walk ways for Town buildings must also be cleared, and efforts are made to complete this before the regular opening times of the buildings (schools, library, town hall, etc.).
Depending on the temperatures, intensity, and duration of the storm, the above tasks can take anywhere from three to twelve hours.
ON STREET PARKING
Section 192-9 of the Town Code states 'No vehicle shall be parked on the streets of Somers during a snow or ice storm which has been in progress three (3) hours No vehicle shall be parked or left on the traveled portion of a street or highway so as to impede normal snow plowing operations and the free flow of traffic during snow storms.' Fines may be issued for violation of this Ordinance. Vehicles may also be towed and impounded at the expense of the owner.
ROAD RIGHT OF WAY
Prior to the winter season, please remove any items from the road and tree belt (basketball hoops, soccer goals, etc.). Depending on the width of the road and road right of way, the Town owns approximately 12' from the edge of the road. Other than mailboxes, the Town will not be responsible for damage to any items on Town property. Damaged curbing will be repaired in the spring.
MAILBOXES
Prior to the winter season, please ensure that your mailbox post is sturdy, and that the mailbox is securely attached to the post. While drivers are careful to avoid mailboxes, there are times when mailboxes are damaged either by direct contact, or the force of heavy snow plowed off of the road. Drivers report damaged mailboxes to their supervisor. However, mailboxes can be damaged by plowed snow without the driver's knowledge. If your mailbox is damaged, please report this to the Highway Department at 763-8234. If it is determined that the mailbox was damaged by a town plow vehicle, we will replace it. Mailboxes damaged by plowed snow will be inspected for prior defects (rotted posts, etc.) and will not be replaced if it is determined that the mailbox structure was defective to begin with.
TRASH PICKUP
If you have waste disposal pick up, please do not place your trash receptacle out on the road over night if a storm is anticipated. If at all possible, do not put out your trash receptacle until your road has been plowed.
SCHOOL CLOSINGS
If continued poor weather conditions persist, and it appears all roads in Town may not be safe for school busses, this information is conveyed to the proper school authorities before 5:00 AM, and a decision is made to cancel or delay school opening.
Information regarding school closings or delays may be obtained from the following sources:
Radio: WTIC, WRCH
TV: WFSB (3), WTNH (8), WWLP (22), WVIT (30), WGGB (40)
DRIVEWAY CLEARING TIPS
Homeowners are responsible for clearing their own driveways. To avoid extra shoveling, wait until the road has been plowed to the curb before removing the snow at the entrance of your driveway.
When removing snow from the entrance of your driveway, place the snow on the right side of the driveway (facing the road). This will prevent the added snow from being plowed back into your driveway during the Town's plowing operation. Driveway snow must not be shoveled or plowed into the road for obvious safety reasons.
Do not allow children to play on or in snow banks along the edge of the road during or even after storm events. The Town may have to continue push back operations between storms to provide room for subsequent storms. We encourage children (and adults) to make snow forts or igloos, but please, not near any roadway.
CATCH BASINS AND STORM INLETS
You can help the Town to minimize street flooding by shoveling snow and ice off of catch basin grates near your house. Highway personnel perform this task on a regular basis, but with more than 1,500 catch basins in Town, it is impossible for us to ensure
that all are cleared on a continual basis. You may have noticed that Highway Personnel have marked all catch basin locations with a green line in the road. This will
help us locate the basins coverred with snow so that we can clear them to prevent water from ponding on the road. Please report
any excesive flooding to the Town Highway Department, or to the Town web site (somersct.gov). Report any excessive flooding to the Town Highway Department, or to the Town web site (somersct.gov).
SIDEWALK CLEARING
Section 172-3 of the Town Code states that the owner or occupant of any premises where there is a public sidewalk must remove the snow and/or ice from the sidewalk within 12 hours of the event causing said snow or ice. Fines may be issued for violation of this ordinance.
FIRE HYDRANT CLEARING
Although not required by Town Ordinance, any effort to aid the Fire Department with keeping a hydrant in front of your house cleared is appreciated. Clearing around the hydrant with a path to the road helps protect the safety of you and your neighbors.
POTHOLES
Potholes are formed when water that has entered cracks in the road freezes and thaws. This action breaks up the pavement surface. Traffic loosens the pavement more, displaces the underlying gravel, and eventually a hole is created. Patching of potholes continues throughout the winter with the use of cold patch for temporary repairs. Permanent repairs are made in the summer when hot asphalt is available. Please report any potholes to the Highway Department at 763-8234, or report them using "Citizen Request Center" on our Town web site (www.somersct.gov).
WINTER DRIVING TIPS
- If at all possible, stay off the roads during storm events
- Check for adequate tread on your tires. Use all-season tires for your vehicles.
- Keep a folding shovel and some sand in your trunk.
- Clean your vehicle of all snow and ice especially around all lights.
- Keep a safe distance from plow trucks, and all vehicles.
- Allow extra time to reach your destination.
WINTER SAND
Winter sand is available to the public in front of the school bus garage on Field Road. No contractors please!
FIELD ROAD PARK
The Field Road Park remains open throughout the winter months for your winter recreational enjoyment. It should be noted that the bathroom facilities are closed at the end of November and reopened at the beginning of April.
The parking lots at the park are the last areas to be plowed. They may not be plowed until the day after the storm, which can make driving in the Park both difficult and hazardous.
The Public Works department recommends that you do not drive or park at the Field Road Park until the snow has been removed both for safety reasons and to make the snow removal operation easier by not packing the snow down with your wheels.
SOMERS SNOW REMOVAL - FACTS AND FIGURES
Miles of roads |
84 |