Niles

Niles Snow Removal Even during the summer months, the Public Services Department is prepared for snow. This year, 5,000 tons of road salt was ordered to help keep the streets safe for driving. In the summer, plows are repaired, cleaned and repainted, and salt spreaders serviced. Additionally, raised sewers that might damage plow equipment are lowered to preferred levels. Being prepared has helped the department be able to respond to snow emergencies at a moment's notice with equipment ready to go. Salt is used as the principal deicer because it is the most available and the most cost-effective safe deicer. In the U.S. alone, some 10 million tons of deicing salt is used each year. While the Village has routinely treated salt with calcium chloride to increase its effectiveness in lower temperatures, the Village also purchases salt treated with an anti-caking agent. This agent is non-toxic to animal and plant life, and can be identified by salt with a bluish tint. Salt which does not cake spreads easier, does not damage equipment, and eliminates the need for personnel to remove blockages from equipment, such as salt spreading augers. As soon as the snow falls, the Village stands ready with its snow fighting fleet and the best deicing products available. However, residents can still help us in our snow removal efforts by remembering these items: AFTER A 1 INCH SNOWFALL - Parking is prohibited on either side of a primary roadway or a designated "Snow Route" until snow removal has been completed. A "Snow Route" is any primary roadway that receives immediate attention, such as Milwaukee Avenue or Dempster Street. Residents living on snow routes are advised to utilize their garages as much as possible during the winter to allow for easier access by snow removal equipment. AFTER A 3 INCH SNOWFALL - Parking is prohibited on the odd numbered side of all Village streets (excluding snow routes and exempt streets) for 24 hours after the snow stops, or until the street is plowed. The same applies for the even side of the street during the next 24 hours. EXEMPTIONS - Some streets are exempt from snow parking bans because driveway parking is not available. REMOVING DRIVEWAY SNOW - Don't shovel snow from your driveway onto the street. This can lead to accidents and will only require additional trips from the snow plow to clean the street. And, it's against the law. DRIVING DURING PLOWING OPERATIONS - When driving, keep your distance from plow trucks. These vehicles are fully loaded and driving under adverse conditions. Stopping distances due to the load of salt and slippery conditions are increased, so increase your distance from the snow removal equipment as well. Also, salt is distributed from the rear of the vehicle - another reason to keep your distance. To determine if you live on a snow route or exempt street and which regulation applies to you, contact the Public Services Department at (847) 588-7900.