Snow & Ice Control Program

Objective

The primary objective of the Snow and Ice Control Program during adverse weather conditions, is to keep motorists' tires in contact with a roadway surface that provides for vehicle control by an operator exercising reasonable care and caution.

Goal

The goal of the Department's Snow and Ice Control Program is to provide a uniform standard of maintenance on all roadways that enables reasonably safe travel on them during winter storms while minimizing environmental impacts to the extent practicable.

Policy

The policy established by the Department is to maintain the entire width of paved roadways and shoulders of all roads comprising the City’s roadway system free from snow and ice as far as a reasonable expenditure of funds will permit.

For the use of City residents, a supply of salt/sand mixture is maintained and available at the DPW. Residents are permitted free access to this material for use on their residential sidewalks and driveways, and are typically allowed to take one or two 5-gallon buckets. This supply is not for the use of private contractors.

Responsibilities

  • Department of Public Works is responsible for snow and ice control for the municipal parking lots and parking decks in the downtown area.
  • Business Owners are responsible for clearing snow and ice from sidewalks fronting their respective establishments.
  • Homeowners, whether using their own equipment or hiring private contractors, are prohibited from plowing snow from driveways and parking areas into the City streets and sidewalks (City Code).

Routes/Sections

The City is split up into four (4) defined sections for the purpose of snow and ice operations:

  1. Southwest
  2. Northwest
  3. Northeast
  4. Southeast

Each section is broken into an average of nine (9) routes. The routes are assigned by priority. The intensity of the storm dictates the frequency that the routes are plowed and treated.  In the most severe storms, delays in treating and/or clearing lower priority routes may occur.

Weather Forecasts

For the most up-to-date weather forecasts, the Street Division will monitor local TV and radio broadcasts and utilize the internet.

Governing Laws

  • Marlborough City Code: Chapter(s): 172-24; 188-1
  • Massachusetts General Laws: Chapter(s): 31, 40, 44, 81, 84, 85, 90, 111, 148, 159B, & 161