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1. Why is my street always plowed last and what are the Town's priorities?

The Director of Municipal Services or the designated representative shall commence snow and ice maintenance procedures based on each individual storm’s characteristics which may include but are not limited to; weather forecast, air and road temperature and expected accumulation. In the implementation of snow and ice removal and de-icing/abrasive placement on the Town’s secondary road system under these procedures, the Director of Municipal Services or the designated representative shall select the actual sequence of roads and the type of service required as provided for in this section. The Director of Municipal Services or their delegated representative shall also determine when drifting, wind velocity, and additional snow or snowstorm require that the snow and ice removal equipment be removed from the secondary roadways for reasons of hazardous visibility, a lack of progress in said snow and ice removal, or that additional clearance of the main arterials and primary roadway system be accomplished prior to the clearance of the secondary roadway system. More detailed information may be found within the Snow & Ice Maintenance Standard Operating Procedure (SOP).

2. Why is it that I see snowplows and sander trucks going past my house that are not plowing or sanding?

These trucks are driving to or from their routes. Please see our Winter Tips & FAQ for more information.

3. Why does the snowplow driver fill up my driveway?

Snowplow drivers do not intentionally fill driveways. When plowing a road, they aim to add the excess snow to existing snowbanks, however, gaps such as an open driveway, will inevitably be filled with new snow during this process. Waiting to shovel until the end of the snowstorm will help minimize the need for repeated shoveling. We have a suggestion for shoveling to help minimize this challenge. 

Visit our Winter Tips & FAQ Brochure for more information. 

4. How is the plowing of sidewalks prioritized?

After the snowstorm subsides, sidewalk plowing begins during regular work hours as they are classified as non-emergency routes.

Sidewalks are prioritized as follows:
1. Snow removal equipment will normally begin operations after a storm has subsided where three (3) inches or more of the new snow has accumulated and the preceding priorities as stated in this section of these procedures have been completed. Snow removal equipment may operate at less than three (3) inches of new snow if the particular characteristics of a storm warrant such operations.
2. This S.O.P does not require the placement of de-icing/abrasive materials on sidewalks.
3. Snow and ice removal on the sidewalks in the downtown Central Business District will be the responsibilities of the Merchants.
Snow & Ice Maintenance SOP

5. Who is responsible for clearing sidewalks in the downtown business district?

The tenant, occupant, or owner of any building in the downtown district is responsible for clearing the sidewalks in front of their property by 10 a.m. on any day except Sundays and holidays following a snowstorm. Please visit the Snow and Ice Maintenance SOP for further information.

6. Does the Town supply residents with the sand/salt mix that is used on roads?

Yes. Between storms, you may bring a bucket or pail to the Municipal Services Facility at 5 Campanelli Drive and fill it at no cost. Please do not attempt to come during a snowstorm as it is too dangerous for residents to fill anything while the heavy equipment is in operation.

5 Campanelli Dr Andover, MA 01810

Visit our Winter Tips & FAQ Brochure for more information.