Why do you wait to plow the snow off the streets?
After applying road de-icing chemicals, the Public Works Department waits for the chemicals to react with the snow to create a brine solution. This reaction time depends on a number of variables (i.e. traffic flow, temperature, etc.) The brine solution keeps the snow from adhering to the street and helps in the snow plowing effort.
Do some streets receive priority during a snow storm?
Major (arterial) roads and hills are a top priority followed by service to arterial collector roads.
Do the sidewalks receive the same priority as streets?
No. The roads are a priority for public safety reasons. Only highly traveled and school related sidewalks are plowed when the storm has ended.
Why is the snow pushed into my driveway?
This situation is unavoidable. The plows remove as much snow as possible to allow for maximum clearance of the roadway to allow for 2 way traffic and safe passage of service and emergency vehicles.
Why does my street always seem like it's the last one plowed?
Traffic volume is the determining factor for order in snow removal operations. You may feel that your street is last to be plowed, but our main objective is to make the roads safe for all drivers during snowstorms. Please be patient.
Who determines the opening, closing or delayed opening of schools during a snow storm?
The School Department determines the opening, closing or delayed openings of school during a snow storm.
Am I required to shovel the sidewalk in front of my property?
No. Massachusetts General Law Chapter 40 Section 21 allows cities and towns to adopt ordinances that require property owners to keep the sidewalk in front of their property free of snow and ice. Norwood does not have an ordinance that stringent.
Town Bylaws, Article XII, Section 26
We do have an ordinance in the Town Bylaws, Article XII, Section 26, which requires any business or commercial enterprise to clear snow from the sidewalk in front of their property within 6 hours of daylight after any snow has ceased to fall. This ordinance is rarely enforced.
Public Works does clear snow from 31 miles of sidewalks in Town. These sidewalk routes were established by a joint effort between the Public Works, Police Department and School Department. It generally focuses on areas around schools, Norwood Center and Washington Street through South Norwood. While having Public Works plow all sidewalks may sound ideal, manpower and financial restraints prohibit that from occurring.
Winter Tips
1). Pay close attention to weather forecasts. Be prepared by having enough fuel for your vehicle, shovels, ice melter and proper winter attire.
2). Freezing rain and wet snow create the most slippery road conditions. Take your time.
3). When snow, sleet or freezing rain is forecast, please stay off the roads, if possible.
4). For storm information concerning school or business closings, please tune in to local television or radio stations.
To report unplowed or untreated streets or for further information and suggestions on the snow operations policy for the Town of Norwood, please call the Public Works Department at 781-762-1413 or contact us via email at publicworks@norwoodma.gov
The Norwood Public Works Department would like to wish you a safe and enjoyable winter season.
