Winter Reminders for Snow Removal Season in Cary

Our snow season has been mild so far, but that is all about to change today. Here are some important reminders and safety tips to assist you and your family as the Village responds to the first significant snow of the season.

Snow Plow and Salting Operations

The Village's snow parking ban goes into effect after an accumulation of three inches of snow. Remember that overnight parking is prohibited and cars are not allowed to be parked on the street at that time. Also, please do not put garbage cans or recycling bins in or near the street. They could also interfere with plows.

During a snowfall, all streets receive at least two passes down the center. After the entire route has been run and the snow has finished falling, the plows return to clean the streets curb to curb.

During snow plowing operations, the focus of the Public Works Department is to keep main arterial streets and intersections clear of snow. Safety and traffic flow dictates that main streets be plowed first, followed by secondary streets and finally cul-de-sacs and dead-ends.

When the snow subsides, Village snow plow trucks will continue to plow streets and apply de-icing materials.

After all streets are clear of snow, a final drive-through pass of the Village is done and another application of de-icing material is applied to rid the pavement of any unplowed snowpack. Under normal conditions, it is the goal of the department to have all streets plowed and salted within 10 hours after the storm has stopped. Obviously, with larger snowfall totals, completion times are extended.

When shoveling or blowing snow, keep in mind that Village ordinance prohibits you from putting it on the street, as the snow can re-freeze. You could risk being liable if it causes an accident.

Driveway and Sidewalk Snow Removal

The Village understands how frustrating it can be when a snowplow pushes snow from the street to the base of your driveway. Unfortunately, there is no way to avoid this nuisance if the streets are to be safe to drive on. The design of the snowplow is to direct snow to the right of the snow plow truck, as this is the direction toward the curb and away from traffic.

• If possible, shovel the driveway aprons only after the snow plows have stopped plowing and the street is cleared of snow. This will eliminate the need to shovel again after the snow plow has come down your street.
• Pile all snow away from the edge of the road on the left side of the driveway, as you face your residence. Should the snowplow make an additional pass by your residence after you have already shoveled your driveway, the same snow will not be pushed back into your driveway by the snow plow.

It is the responsibility of the resident/business owner to ensure that sidewalks adjacent to their property are clear of snow and ice.

Fire Hydrants

Cary has approximately 1,000 fire hydrants in public right-of-ways throughout the community. Heavy, repetitive snow storms can cause snow drifts to pile up and obscure the location of fire hydrants. For safety reasons, please do not stack snow around fire hydrants. Residents can do their part and help keep fire hydrants clear of snow.

Cul-de-sacs

Cul-de-sacs are among the most difficult areas to plow. The Village has approximately 70 cul-de-sacs, which are beautiful in appearance, but are a challenge to effectively plow snow. Safety and traffic flow dictates that main streets be plowed first, followed by secondary streets and finally cul-de-sacs and dead-ends.

Commuter Parking Lots

The Village contracts out snow plowing services for the commuter parking lots. This ensures that all available Public Works staff members are available to assist in clearing Village roads and intersections during a winter weather emergency. The commuter parking lots are plowed and salted during regular snow and ice control operations.

This is typically done after midnight in order for the commuter lots to be clear of snow and ice by 6 a.m. Public Works crews will plow and treat the main roads during the day, but cannot clear the lots until the parked cars are removed.

 Snow Plow Safety

Public safety is a priority to the Village of Cary. Public Works staff members take every precaution during a snow plow event to ensure the safety of residents and vehicles. Residents can help prevent any potential accidents by following these safety tips.

• Snowplows can create a swirl of snow, blinding drivers behind the snow plow and in the opposite direction. Use caution when following a snow plow vehicle or when approaching one.
• Keep children from playing in the streets or along parkways, while snow plows are in operation. Public Works vehicles may have difficulty seeing children when plowing and serious injury could result.
• Do not follow a snowplow driver too closely. The driver may need to back up and if you are not visible in the rear mirrors, the snow plow could back into your vehicle. A good rule to follow is, if you can't see the driver's face, they can't see you.
• Teach children to not dig forts or build slides in the piles of snow along parkways or cul-de-sac's. These have the potential to collapse and cause children to slide in to the street or be buried in the snow pile.
• Do not pass a snow plow driver unless your visibility is perfectly clear and it is safe for you and the other driver, including the snow plow operator.

It is important to note that not all streets within the corporate limits of Cary are the responsibility of the Village to plow.

For example, Route 14 and Route 31 are plowed by the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT), while Cary-Algonquin Road is plowed by McHenry County.

Cold Springs Road and Klasen Road are plowed by Algonquin Township. The western portion of Three Oaks Road from Alexander Ct. to Route 31 is plowed by the City of Crystal Lake.

For additional information, please contact the Cary Public Works Department at (847) 639-0003.