Snow Removal

DPW Snow Removal & Ice Control Operations and Guidelines

General:  Avon Public Works is charged with the responsibility of responding to winter snow and ice events. Our goal is to keep streets passable and reasonably safe during the storm and to clear the streets, curb to curb, within 8 to 12 hours after the storm has ended. Our plow drivers work long hours in hazardous driving conditions, and we appreciate your patience during snow and ice events.

Snow Routes:  The 110 miles of town roads (approximate) maintained by DPW are divided into 10 snow plow routes. One plow truck and driver is assigned to each plow route for the entire winter season.

Priorities:  During snow events, the primary focus is to provide a safe travel way for cars and emergency vehicles on heavily traveled roadways. While snow is actively falling, plowing is generally limited to the center portion of the roadway to clear a path wide enough for one travel lane in each direction. As a winter storm subsides, more efforts can be directed to local roadways and cul-de-sacs. Depending on the severity of a storm, it can take up to 4 hours +/- to make passes on all streets in town. Snow removal often continues for 8 to 12 hours after snow has stopped falling.

Mail Box Damage:  During the winter season, it is inevitable that some mailboxes and posts will be damaged during winter plowing operations. Avon’s policy is to reimburse residents $20.00 for mailboxes and $65.00 for posts that are damaged as a result of direct contact with a Town snow plow.  Mailboxes that are damaged from the force of snow thrown against them or mailboxes that are located closer than 9-inches to the roadway are not eligible for reimbursement.

Frequently Asked Questions:

I live on a cul-de-sac and end up with significant amounts of snow in my driveway.  Why? Plowing cul-de-sacs is one of the most challenging operations during a snow storm. Most properties on cul-de-sacs have frontages that are narrower than lots on a straight street. Therefore, snow must be pushed into a smaller space.

Why is snow pushed into my driveway by street plows? It is unavoidable and it is not done intentionally. Snow cast into driveways is an unfortunate byproduct of a very necessary service we provide. When we plow a street, we are simply moving the snow that is in the street off to the side of the street. The greater the amount of snow, the more snow that is deposited on the side.

Who is responsible for clearing in front of my mailbox? We plow the streets curb to curb, or as close as we can get. Whatever snow is left in front of mailboxes is the responsibility of the property owner to remove (or at least to move in order for the mailbox to be accessible to the mail carrier).

Can I, as a resident, push snow from my property onto the sidewalk or street? NO! Town Ordinance restricts the act of pushing snow back onto a street and doing so may result in a fine of $50 and/or liability if an accident is caused by this dumping of snow.  Please be respectful of passing motorists expecting a clear street by not putting snow back onto the street.  Remember, if you contract for snow removal, you are still responsible for where the snow ends up.