FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Winter is a topic that the Department of Public Works focuses on year-round. With more than 136 miles of roads, 215 cul-de-sacs, and 39 acres of public parking lots to plow, our crews work around-the-clock to provide the best travel conditions possible throughout the town.

1.  What should I do if an emergency occurs and I don’t think the rescue or emergency vehicles can get through on the snowy roads?

Call 911 immediately, if the emergency vehicles need help getting to you, they will work with Public Works to get the road cleared. Further, out-of-sequence plowing rarely solves emergencies. Emergency vehicles are equipped to reach an emergency call quicker than a street can be plowed.

2.  Why do snowplows block my driveway with snow when they clear the road?

We are sorry for this inconvenience. While plow crews try to minimize the amount of snow that gets plowed into driveways during the storm, it is the responsibility of the property owner to clear their driveway opening. Also, as long as there is snow in the street, the plow driver will continue to plow the street. Some of this additional snow will end up at the driveway opening. To avoid double work try to shovel snow from your driveway after the plow has been by, and shovel the snow to the right side of your driveway as you face the road instead of into the street.

3.  My neighbor blows the snow from his property into the street. It typically happens after the town has already plowed the street. Is this allowed?

Whether you hire a snow plowing service or do it yourself, please remember that town ordinances prohibit the blowing, shoveling or plowing of snow back onto the street. Putting snow into the street, especially after the street has previously been plowed, adversely affects the safety of the drivers who use your street, and wastes your tax dollars.

4.  I take time to shovel my sidewalk, yet my neighbor leaves his in an unsafe condition. Can something be done?

Property owners are responsible for removing snow and ice from the sidewalk(s) abutting their home or business. Town ordinance does require snow to be removed within 12 hours after the storm. Sidewalks should be cleared to the pavement (to help the sun melt residual snow). If the sidewalk becomes ice-packed, sand or other suitable material needs to be placed on the walk to make it safe. Doing your part helps keep these pedestrian routes safe for your family, friends and neighbors. Also, if there is a fire hydrant in front of your property, do yourself a favor and help out the volunteer firefighters by removing snow from around the hydrant.

5.  Where can I pick up sand to spread on my sidewalk to improve traction?

The town has several locations to pick up sand. They are: 1) Sharshon Park (Skitchewaug off Windsor Ave.) parking lot; 2) L.P. Wilson Community Center (599 Matianuck Avenue); 3) Mechanic Street commuter lot (located behind Town Hall and next to the dog pound); 4) Oliver Ellsworth School (Kennedy Road) back parking lot; 5) Poquonock Fire House (1575 Poquonock Avenue) parking lot; 6) Rainbow Firehouse (750 Rainbow Road); and 7) Public Works Facility, 99 Day Hill Road.

6.  My mailbox was knocked down by the snowplow. Will the town replace it?

The mailbox is usually the homeowner’s responsibility, however, if damage to the mailbox is caused by the Public Works snowplow, the town will replace the mailbox with a similar mailbox. If the mailbox post is also damaged, and it was in good condition prior to the accident, town will repair or replace the post. We apologize for any disruption in mail service resulting from the damage. Please call Public Works at 860-285-1855 and an inspector will visit you immediately following the storm.

7.  During the snowstorm last year, my car was towed from the street – why?

Between the 15^th of November and April 15^th of each winter, vehicles cannot be parked on the streets of the town from 1:00 a.m. to 6:00 a.m. In addition, no parking is allowed at other times whenever a snow or ice storm has been in progress for at least one hour. Vehicles parked on the street during these times or periods can be towed so that they do not impede snow plowing operations and the free flow of traffic. Please make full use of your driveway and/or garage, if your have one, during the night hours of the colder months and during snowstorms. The plow drivers and your neighbors will appreciate keeping the street open for plowing.

8.  Are there some streets that the town is not responsible for plowing?

The State Department of Transportation plows the major highways such as I-91, I-291, and the Bradley Airport Connector (State Route 20); as well as other State Roads, such as Broad Street, Windsor Avenue and Palisado Avenue (State Route 159), Bloomfield Avenue (State Route 305), Park Avenue (State Route 178), and Poquonock Avenue (State Route 75). Questions or concerns regarding the plowing of snow and ice from these roads should be addressed to the DOT by calling 860-688-4848.

9.  I’ve sometimes seen town trucks driving along with the snowplows up when it is snowing. Why?

There are a couple of reasons plows aren’t always pushing snow. Trucks may be spreading traction materials, or may be out of materials to spread and headed back to Public Works for a refill. Be assured that once it snows, Public Works crews will work until the roads are in good shape.

10.  If I have a question or request for service, whom do I call, especially at nights and weekends?

The number for snow and ice removal at the Windsor Public Works is 860-285-1855. At nights and on the weekends, the call may be received by the voicemail system because the supervisor may be out checking the streets. If you require immediate assistance in these instances, please contact the Police Department at 860-688-5273. They will contact the supervisor, who will attend to the situation.