But Westport’s Department of Public Works is ready. They say:
Plow routes: There are 124 miles of roads in Westport, and only a small team of drivers to clear them of snow and ice. Main roads are plowed first, with special attention given to steep hills and difficult intersections. Then come side streets, followed by dead-end streets. Plow drivers make a single pass on side streets to keep them open, but their primary focus is to keep the main roads open for emergency vehicles and the safety of all Westport residents.
Do not pass snow plows: Never pass or follow a plow too closely. Snow plows are massive vehicles, with wide blind spots that cannot maneuver easily or stop quickly. Plowing can create a cloud of snow around the truck, limiting visibility and creating whiteout conditions for passing motorists. It can also create a ridge of snow between lanes that makes passing inadvisable. Reducing speeds when clearing and treating roads allows plow drivers to better control road salt treatments, saving taxpayer money and minimizing environmental impact.
Plow drivers: Driving a plow is challenging. It requires hours of intense concentration to navigate massive vehicles in dark, cold and difficult weather conditions. DPW thanks you for driving with caution.
Blocked driveways: Plows angle plow blades to the driver’s right. This allows drivers to direct snow off the road and onto the shoulder. Plow drivers are not able to prevent snow from accumulating in front of individual driveways while safely and efficiently clearing snow from roads. Snow that accumulates on, or at the base of, private driveways is the responsibility of the homeowner to clear.
Private plowing: The town prohibits snowplow contractors from leaving snow from driveways or parking lots on town streets. If there is no alternative to pushing snow into the street, the private driver must re-plow the street until it is safe for residents to drive. This may not mean bare pavement, but should be no worse than before the snowplow driver began plowing.
Business sidewalks: Per town ordinance, businesses are responsible for keeping all sidewalks along their property clear of snow and ice.
Mailbox damage: The town will only repair or replace mailboxes and posts struck by a plow blade. Mailboxes and posts must be able to withstand the rigors of snow removal, including the force of snow directed from the street onto the roadside. The town will not repair or replace mailboxes and posts damaged by the force of projected snow. Damage from private plowing contractors is not the town’s responsibility.
Questions: Call Public Works: 203-341-1120.
(Photo/Luke Hammerman)
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I learned to park my cars at the driveway edge for easy exit. ⛄️❄️
It’s important to note that residents are NOT required to clear sidewalks in Westport. The department of public works does that really well, and we all—especially senior citizens—are grateful for that.
If you agree be sure to let your RTM representatives know, because they have been asked to transfer that burden to home owners.