In Windsor, as throughout the New England states, winter can bring a variety of weather conditions which seem to come in extremes. The primary responsibility for keeping the street passable and safe for travel rests with Public Works. However, successful battles against the onslaught of winter also require the cooperation and assistance of informed citizens. This publication outlines the snow removal procedure of the Town and offers suggestions on how you can help. We hope you will keep it as a handy reference.

When winter precipitation begins, causing icing conditions, Public Works, in coordination with the Police Department, dispatches a sufficient number of trucks to spread a mixture of sand and salt (5 to 1 ratio) on all major collector streets, hills, curves, and intersections followed by local streets, cul-de-sacs, and access roads. Sanding and salting will continue until the snow accumulation reaches about 2 inches.

You can assist be keeping your vehicles off the street at all times during winter storms. From November 15 through April 15, parking is prohibited on all Windsor streets between 1:00 a.m. to 6:00 a.m. Parking is also prohibited on the streets of Windsor during a snow or ice storm which has been in progress one hour. The sand and salt operation will continue until the snow accumulation reaches about 2 inches in depth. The objective is to mix the first snow with salt and sand adjacent to the road surface to accelerate the melting process. This operation also increases traction, thereby providing safe starts and stops. You can assist by giving the sanding trucks a wide berth, thereby allowing them to maintain the constant speed required for the uniform application of sand and salt.

Snow Plowing

As the snow accumulates to a 2 inch depth, the 16 plow units begin the removal process along their assigned routes. Each vehicle traverses its entire route, making opening passes in the center of the road, after which it retraces its steps to completely clear the roadway.

If it becomes necessary to shovel your driveway before the snow is completely pushed back, you can save yourself unnecessary work by putting the snow on the right side of your driveway (as you face the street) so it won’t be pushed back in.

After all 300 lane miles of road and 215 cul-de-sacs and dead ends have been cleared of snow, they will be resanded if conditions warrant.

During periods of extremely heavy snowfall, it may be necessary to truck snow away from certain commercial areas and narrow streets. The areas to be cleaned will be marked with no parking signs the night before. By honoring the temporary no parking areas, you will be helping to improve the efficiency of the removal operations.

Public Works is also responsible for making public grounds and designated sidewalks safe to use after storms. Their responsibility includes: the plowing of emergency service facilities, schools and public buildings, housing and commuter lots, and parks; and clearing sidewalk access to schools and public buildings, housing, and other designated walks. The plowing of parking spaces and walks in non-winter used parks or unused commuter lots will be eliminated or reduced.

Normally, snowplowing operations begin when a storm abates. Under conditions of heavy and/or extended snowfall, operations would begin sooner. A priority list has been established beginning with the emergency service facilities, schools and public buildings, housing and commuter lots, and parks. During periods of heavy snowfall, Public Works may be called upon to assist in clearing some of the parking areas.

Sidewalks and bike paths are cleared of snow and/or ice as soon as possible after each storm. Most of the walks and bike paths are initially cleared with the use of two sidewalk tractors, beginning in Windsor Center; one tractor then proceeds southerly and the other tractor proceeds northerly. Snow blowers and hand shovels are used in areas inaccessible to the tractors, such as narrow walks, steps and building entrances.

Sidewalks are salted or sanded as needed by hand or with the tractors. The parking areas are sanded by Public Works.

Skating ponds will be cleared, depending upon ice/weather conditions and only during regular work hours.

At any time during a storm, Public Works may be called at 285-1855 for further information. In the event of a major storm or disaster in the Town of Windsor, the Mayor or Town Manager may declare a state of emergency. At that time, Civil Preparedness will be staffed and all resources of the town mobilized. Up-to-date information will then be available from the Civil Preparedness offices, at 860-285-1880.

No vehicle shall be parked on the streets of Windsor between 1:00 a.m. and 6:00 a.m. between November 15 and April 15.

No vehicle shall be parked on the streets of Windsor during a snow or ice storm that has been in progress one hour.

No vehicle shall be parked or left on the traveled portion of a street or highway so as to impede normal snow plowing operations and the free flow of traffic during snow storms.

Town Ordinance requires the owner of any premises adjoining any public sidewalk to remove all snow, sleet and ice to a minimum width of four feet within twelve hours after accumulation or within 12 hours from sunrise if the accumulation occurred during the night. When necessary, due to the severity of the storm, the time to clear sidewalks may be expanded up to 36 hours. Do not throw snow onto the street. Public Works is responsible for all walks adjacent to Town-owned property.

Property owners abutting fire hydrants are required by local ordinance to keep them properly cleared of snow and ice. This includes clearing a path of at least three feet wide from the edge of the street to the hydrant, as well as a radius of three feet around the hydrant itself. This must be done within 12 hours of a storm, or within 12 hours after sunrise following a storm.

Piles of salted sand are available for residential use in the parking lots at Sharshon Park; L.P. Wilson Community Center;  Mechanic Street Commuter Parking Lot; Oliver Ellsworth School; the Public Works Complex; Poquonock Fire House; and the Rainbow Fire House. 

Mailbox repairs and replacements are the homeowner’s responsibility; however, if damage is caused by the Town, the Town will replace mailboxes in good condition with similar mailboxes.

Damage to curbs and lawn areas will be repaired in the Spring. Damage to privately owned lawn sprinkler systems that were installed within the Town right of way without a permit are the responsibility of the owner. The Town will not be responsible for damage to these installations.

• Public Works                                             860-285-1855

• Parks & Grounds Maintenance               860-285-1884

• Recreation (Ice Skating)                          860-285-1988

• Police Department (Non-emergency)    860-688-5273

• Police Department (Emergencies)                   911

• Civil Preparedness                                   860-285-1880

                 (Declared Emergencies Only)               

• Install snow tires and make sure they are in good condition.

• Carry jumper cables.

• Carry a small shovel, a bag of salt or sand, and emergency tire chains.

• Keep your gas tank at least half full at all times.

• Clean all the snow off of your car, including head and tail lights, before you drive.

• Keep a safe distance between your vehicle and the car in front of you.

• Travel during winter storms may take twice the normal driving time; plan accordingly and drive safely.

• Slow down before you have to stop, especially when approaching an intersection.

• Come to a stop by carefully and lightly pumping your brakes.

• If you are caught in traffic, remember to reduce the use of accessories such as your radio, to minimize the drain on the battery.