Winnetka

Winnetka Snow Removal SNOW PLOWING Throughout the winter months, the Public Works Department is committed to keeping the streets clear and traffic moving. Our snow-fighting team is primed and ready, dedicated to providing the most efficient and thorough snow removal possible. Your safety and convenience are our #1priority. Residents sometimes call during major snow storms with questions regarding snow removal procedures. Unfortunately, we are often unable to give completely answer all questions when snow removal operations are in high gear. At such times, snow-fighting has to come first. The following are some of the most commonly asked questions. Q. How is the Snow Plow and Ice Control Plan implemented? A. The Village has a limited number of plows and drivers so we must assign the routes so that priority is given to the main streets such as Hibbard Road, Green Bay, Sheridan Road, etc. These routes receive much of the traffic within the Village and must be kept clear for traffic safety and emergency access. Minor streets receive next priority, and cul-de-sacs and alleys are addressed last. Public sidewalks are usually plowed when streets are plowed, unless the demands of keeping streets clear takes precedence. Plowing activities begin with snow accumulations of about 2 inches on sidewalks and streets. Q. How often does the Village use salt? A. The Village uses salt and plowing in combination on the main streets, but tries to limit salt use in residential areas to intersections and to those locations where traffic is heaviest or where there are inclines, in order to reduce both the cost and salt damage to the environment. Salt is generally less effective at very low temperatures and so a combination of salt, sand and liquid calcium chloride may be spread during these periods to maintain traction. Q. Can you send a snowplow back to clear the end of a driveway? A. There are approximately 4,000 driveways in the Village. Unfortunately, we are not able to compromise our priority on public safety by devoting resources to clearning driveways. One thing you can do to minimize the possibility of the driveway being blocked is to pile snow that has been shoveled from the driveway on the "down-stream" side of the drive so that if the snow plow hits the pile, it will be moved onto the grass or sidewalk rather than the driveway. Further questions may be directed to the Public Works Department at 716-3568. While we may not be able to immediately respond to your call in the height of a snow emergency, we will promptly return all phone messages. Further questions may be directed to the Public Works Department at 716-3568. While we may not be able to immediately respond to your call in the height of a snow emergency, we will promptly return all phone messages