Snow and Ice at a Glance

Please have patience. Snow plowing is a time consuming and laborious job covering approximately 125 miles of roadways. Some residents will have their road plowed first and some will be last, but all town roads will be cleared. The Department of Public Works is devoted to providing the residents with dependable snow removal in the shortest time possible.

DPW Responsibilities

The Town of Sharon Department of Public Works is responsible for providing snow and ice control for 125 miles of streets and cul-de-sacs and 44 miles of sidewalks. Department of Public Works personnel are also responsible for snow removal from all Town buildings including the Community Center, Town Hall, the Library, Police Station and Department of Public Works offices. DPW personnel are also responsible for snow removal from public parking lots, the railroad station parking lots and parking lots at all public schools, School Department maintenance staff is responsible for snow removal from school entrance areas only.

Although residents are responsible for plowing, blowing or shoveling private driveways and walkways and public sidewalks adjoining their homes, unlike many other communities, they are not required to do so.

DPW Resources

The Sharon DPW and Water Department have 28 personnel plus 4 supervisorial staff available utilizing roughly 23 pieces of equipment ranging from plow trucks to 4 front end loaders/back hoes and 3 sidewalk blowers for snow removal. This staffing level includes a 7-person hand crew for snow removal at public buildings and in the Town Center. For larger storms, the DPW also utilizes roughly 27 private plow contractors.

General Procedure

Roadway snow plowing typically begins when the snow accumulation approaches 2 inches. Pre-treating the roadway with a salt/sand mixture may occur before that, possibly even before the first snow flake hits the ground. Roadway plowing activities will continue as needed throughout the storm. Once the snowfall has ended, post storm related activities, including sidewalk and parking lot snow removal begin. This may mean that a final treatment of sand/salt is applied. Related storm clean-up will be undertaken in the days following the storm. The hours required to adequately handle a storm can be extraordinarily long and intense, with operations conducted during the most severe weather and driving conditions. 

Blocked Driveways

It is impossible for Town crews to avoid plowing snow in front of driveways.  The process of plowing requires multiple passes down a street to plow the entire road.  Please do not block the roadway or approach the truck to avoid snow plowed into the driveway.  These actions are dangerous and only prolong the road clearing process.  You might want to wait for the road to be completely cleared so that you only shovel once.  However, this can cause heavy piles of snow in front of driveways during heavy snowstorms.  Residents are encouraged to shovel several times throughout a heavy snowstorm. The DPW does not have the resources to return to plow out driveway entrances or blocked mailboxes.

Sidewalks

The Town of Sharon provides some sidewalk clearing generally in the downtown area and on walking routes to Town schools only.  The Town does not clear all sidewalks in residential neighborhoods. More information from the State

Resident Responsibilities

Do not Blow or Shovel Snow into the Street

Property owners should be aware that placing, dumping, or pushing snow onto Town streets or right-of-ways from adjacent properties is prohibited. Blowing or shoveling snow into the street can cause dangerous ice patches while prolonging the snow and ice removal efforts. Private driveway plowing creates large piles that block sidewalk access and reduce roadway width.

Parking during and after Snowstorms

Parking restrictions may be implemented to allow for a more efficient snow plowing operation. Postings will be made on the Town website and cable tv.

Help Others in Need

Some residents have disabilities or health risks and are unable to shovel heavy snow. Please help neighbors who need assistance in clearing the heavy snow from driveways and sidewalks. Residents unable to shovel should seek out help from a neighbor, family member or hire a landscape/snow removal company to remove snow from their driveway. Town crews are responsible for plowing streets and Town-owned parking lots only, not private driveways or driveway ends. 

Equally important is keeping sidewalks clear adjacent to properties along school routes, parks and recreation centers for the safety of school children and pedestrians. Please take time to shovel the sidewalk along your property.

After the Storm

Mailboxes

If a Town plow or truck damages a mailbox either through direct contact or due to the force of the snow rolling off the plow, the mailbox will be repaired or replaced with a standard type mailbox in accordance with established Post Office guidelines. The Town cannot replace decorative mailboxes. A standard design will be used for all mailbox replacements. A property owner who would prefer a non-standard mailbox will be compensated for the first $30 of expenses. A property owner who installs decorative materials within the right of way does so at his or her own risk.

Fences

Fences in the right of way may be damaged by snow operations. The Town is not responsible for damage to fences that are located within the street right of way.

Fire Hydrants

Fire hydrants need to be accessible at all times. Crews are not available to clear out fire hydrants and mailboxes. Residents are encouraged to shovel snow to provide access to hydrants and mailboxes on or around their property.