Winter Right-of-Way Plowing Guidelines

The Department of Public Works is responsible for keeping all public roads passable. In light of this legal obligation, plow truck drivers exercise use of the right-of-way so as to keep the full width of pavement useable for vehicular traffic. In rural areas, plow drivers clear snow and ice several feet off the pavement. In subdivisions, plow drivers clear snow and ice generally three feet off the pavement. This may affect the conditions of lawns; any resident may call and request lawn repair each April or May if it has been caused by the plow. We will try to address each request within 20 work days.

 The purpose for utilizing a small portion of the right-of-way for pushing snow is to keep the full width of pavement clear for traffic. If snow and ice are not moved away from the pavement, high banks will fall back into the road, reducing the width considerably and creating dangerously narrow roads. Pushing snow away from the pavement also aids with minimizing the effect of wind drifted snow which can block lanes. The Town of Winslow does not own the expensive, large scale snow blowing equipment which would be necessary to clear banks from all subdivision streets should they become dangerously narrow.

 We appreciate your understanding of the need for plow drivers to utilize a small portion of the right-of-way each winter. Please feel free to call us each spring regarding any lawn damage that we may have caused during the winter. We are also glad to look at any special circumstances you may have. Simply call us at Public Works (872-1972) or leave a message for us at the town office.