The Department of Public Works has issued the following guidance relative to clearing of snow after storms.
The Town of Winchester is comprised of 81.41 miles of plowable road between Winsted and Winchester Center. Snow plowing can cost up to $3K to $4K per hour. Therefore, it is important for the Department of Public Works to use its resources wisely with cooperation from residents to minimize cost.
Plow Routes: The streets are plowed and sanded in order of priority. Main roads are handled first, with special attention given to steep hills and difficult intersections. Municipal and Town parking lots are of high priority with side streets being next. Residents are reminded that when a town-wide parking ban is in effect, there is NO PARKING allowed on any street within the Town of Winchester.
Blocked Driveways: All snow plows are angled the same way: to the driver’s right. When plowing, our drivers will push the snow in front of driveways. The homeowner is responsible for access to their driveways. Please note that the only way to avoid extra shoveling is to wait until the Department of Public Works makes their final clean up on the street.
Sidewalks: Per Town Ordinance Section 123, property owners are responsible for keeping all sidewalks abutting their property free and clear of snow and ice. Please note that heavily traveled sidewalks, especially near schools and public access buildings, are particularly important.
Mailbox Damage: The Town of Winchester repairs or replaces mailboxes and/or posts that are struck by a plow blade. Evidence of paint or tire tracks are generally adequate to determine a plow strike. Unfortunately, the Town of Winchester does not repair or replace mailboxes and/or posts that fall from the force of plowed snow. Mailboxes, fences and their supporting posts, must be installed to withstand the rigors of snow removal, including the force of snow pushed from the street to the roadside.
Private Plowing: The Town of Winchester prohibits plow contractors or homeowners from pushing (or snow blowing) snow from driveways, sidewalks, or parking lots into streets. Such snow removal is deemed dangerous and impedes the Town’s snow removal efforts. Should there be no other alternative to putting snow into the street, the parties responsible must take the time to make the street safe by getting the snow to the side of the road where it belongs and should do so until road is safe. This may not necessarily mean bare pavement, but it should be no worse than prior to the Town's plow sweep.
Thank you so much for your anticipated cooperation! Please please free to contact the Department of Public Works with any questions.