Contact:         Peter A. Ratkiewich, P.E.                                               

                        Director of Public Works

                         Town of Westport

                          203-341-1120

                          pratkiewich@westportct.gov

Snow season is here, and the Department of Public Works would like to share essential information and encourage Westport residents to slow down and use extra caution when driving in winter conditions.

PLOW ROUTES – There are 124 miles of roads in the Town of Westport, and a small team of plow drivers to clear them of snow and ice. To efficiently accomplish this immense task, plowing priorities must be implemented. Main roads are plowed first, with special attention given to steep hills and difficult intersections, then side streets, followed by dead-end streets. Plow drivers make a single pass on side streets to keep them open, but their primary focus is to keep the main roads open for emergency vehicles and the safety of all Westport residents.

DO NOT PASS SNOWPLOWS - Never pass or follow a snowplow too closely. Passing snowplows or driving aggressively near plows can be dangerous. Snowplows are massive vehicles with wide blind spots that cannot maneuver easily or stop quickly.  Plowing can create a cloud of snow around the truck limiting visibility and creating whiteout conditions for passing motorists. It can also create a ridge of snow between lanes that makes passing inadvisable. Please remember, reducing speeds when clearing and treating roads allows plow drivers to better control road salt treatments, saving taxpayer money and minimizing environmental impact.

BLOCKED DRIVEWAYS - Westport snowplows angle plow blades to the driver’s right. This allows drivers to direct snow off the road and onto the shoulder. Plow drivers are not able to prevent snow from accumulating in front of individual driveways while safely and efficiently clearing snow from Town roads. Snow that accumulates on, or at the base of, private driveways is the responsibility of the homeowner to clear, not the Town.

PLOW DRIVERS – Please remember that driving a snowplow is challenging work. It requires hours of intense concentration to navigate these massive vehicles in dark, cold, and challenging weather conditions. The Department of Public Works thanks you for driving with caution when approaching a snowplow.

MAILBOX DAMAGE – The Town will only repair or replace mailboxes and posts struck by a plow blade. Mailboxes and posts must be able to withstand the rigors of snow removal, including the force of snow directed from the street onto the roadside. The Town will not repair or replace mailboxes and posts damaged by the force of projected snow. Damage from private plowing contractors is not the Town’s responsibility.

PRIVATE PLOWING – The Town prohibits snowplow contractors from leaving snow from driveways or parking lots onto town streets, because it is dangerous and impedes the Town’s snow removal efforts. If there is no other alternative to pushing snow into the street, the private snowplow driver must re-plow the street until it is safe for residents to drive. This may not necessarily mean bare pavement but should be no worse than before the snowplow driver began plowing.

BUSINESS SIDEWALKS – Per Town ordinance, Sec. 50-407, businesses are responsible for keeping all sidewalks along their property clear of snow and ice.

Residents who have questions should call Public Works at (203) 341-1120.